Danger In Your Attic?
Is there something lurking in your attic that could cause you harm? Maybe. Although there are a number of potential hazards in your attic, one type can be particularly scary - asbestos. You are most likely aware of the health risks of asbestos (more on this later) but how could this nasty material be in your attic? Is it safe to go into your attic? Read on to find out.
Where Is The Asbestos?
Asbestos may be in a certain type of insulation called vermiculite. Vermiculite insulation has been used in homes and buildings for many years. It's made from a mineral of the same name which is mined from the ground and then heated to a high temperature. The resulting material is lightweight, fire-resistant, and has excellent insulating properties.
The use of vermiculite insulation became widespread in the 1950s and 1960s, and it was commonly used in attics, walls, and floors. The vermiculite insulation that contains asbestos was produced by a company called W.R. Grace and Company, which operated a mine in Libby, Montana. This mine was the source of most of the vermiculite insulation used in the United States from the 1940s through the 1990s.
Vermiculite Health Hazards?
In recent years, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with vermiculite insulation.
The problem with vermiculite insulation that contains asbestos is that when it's disturbed, the asbestos fibers can become airborne and be inhaled. This can happen during renovation or remodeling work, or even during routine maintenance. Once the asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause serious health problems.
Asbestos is now known to be a carcinogen, and exposure to it can cause a variety of health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
How Do You Know If You Have Vermiculite Insulation?
There are many types of insulation including fiberglass (roll/batts or blown-in), blown-in cellulose, rock wool, open or closed cell spray foam, and more. So how do you know if you have Vermiculite?
Warning: Do not enter your attic without proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to search for vermiculite insulation. If you are unsure how to protect yourself, contact and use a professional asbestos inspector or abatement specialist contractor.
Vermiculite is a loose fill type insulation that looks like small grayish-brown non-rounded pebbles. They are very lightweight and can vary in size and shape. Here's some images of vermiculite.
Vermiculite Insulation (source: epa.gov)
Vermiculite Insulation Installed Between Rafters (source: epa.gov)
Vermiculite Insulation Close-Up (source: epa.gov)
Vermiculite Insulation Shape and Color (source: epa.gov)
Warning: Do not attempt to remove or disturb the insulation yourself since this can release asbestos fibers into the air.
Note: if you are planning to purchase a home or building that was built before the 1990s, it is important to have it inspected for asbestos-containing materials. This should include a thorough inspection of the insulation in the attic, walls, and floors.
If you think you have vermiculite insulation in your attic, you should be aware of your options to minimize any potential health risks.
What Should You Do If You Have Vermiculite Insulation?
First, don't panic. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)1:
"The first step is not to disturb the material, which would release more fibers into the air. If you remove or disturb the insulation, it is probable that you may inhale some asbestos fibers - the degree of health risk depends on how much and how often this occurred. If you do not go into your attic, handle, or disturb the insulation, it is likely that you will not be exposed to asbestos fibers from vermiculite insulation."
But what are your options if you have vermiculite insulation in your attic? You might opt to just leave it as is and severely limit your use and time in your attic. According to the EPA:
The EPA recommends that you:
- Leave vermiculite insulation undisturbed in your attic or in your walls.
- Do not store boxes or other items in your attic if it contains vermiculite insulation.
- Do not allow children to play in an attic with vermiculite insulation.
- Do not attempt to remove the insulation yourself.
- Hire a professional asbestos contractor if you plan to remodel or conduct renovations that would disturb the vermiculite in your attic or walls to make sure the material is safely handled and/or removed.
But if you are not comfortable with having any asbestos containing insulation in your home, its time to call the professionals for proper abatement of the vermiculite insulation.
Warning: Do not attempt to remove or disturb the insulation yourself since this can release asbestos fibers into the air.
Any removal of asbestos insulation should be done by an accredited asbestos professional. Research potential contractors and look for contractors who are licensed and certified to perform asbestos abatement in your state. Check with your state's environmental agency or department of health to verify the contractor's credentials. It's always a good idea to get multiple bids with multiple contractors. Make sure each bid includes a detailed description of the work to be performed, the materials to be used, the estimated timeline, and the total cost.
If you decide to have the vermiculite insulation removed, there is some good news.
Get Reimbursed For Vermiculite Insulation Removal
Approximately 75% of the vermiculite insulation used in homes is the Zonolite Brand2. The good news is, if your vermiculite insulation is Zonolite brand, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement of the removal of the insulation. You will need to prove your insulation is Zonolite. There are two ways to do this. You can either show proof of Zonolite bags used or submit a sample to be tested.
Zonolite Claim Form Process
The Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust runs the program. Here's how much you may receive2:
"The Trust may provide a reimbursement contribution of up to 55% of the abatement cost for eligible claimants up to a ceiling of 55% of a $8,972.33 removal bill (or $4,934.72). For example, if you spent $8,972.33 removing and replacing the insulation, you are potentially eligible for the maximum reimbursement of $4,934.72. If you spent $3,000 for abatement and re-insulation, you are potentially eligible for reimbursement of $1,650 (55% of $3,000)."
For more details on this program, see the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust website.
Last Words
Vermiculite insulation can be an effective and safe form of insulation when it does not contain asbestos. However, if you suspect that your home or building may contain vermiculite insulation that contains asbestos, it's important to take the steps outlined here to be safe. For more details on how to protect your family from asbestos-contaminated vermiculite insulation, see the EPA's webpage here.
1. https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-asbestos-contaminated-vermiculite-insulation#risk
2. https://www.zonoliteatticinsulation.com/S/FAQs
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