How Often Does Vermiculite Contain Asbestos?

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that was once mined extensively in the United States and other countries to be used for the manufacturing of insulation. However, asbestos contamination showed that this substance is unsafe, so vermiculite is no longer used. Not all vermiculite is contaminated, but how often does vermiculite contain asbestos?

How Often Does Vermiculite Contain Asbestos?

When it comes to identifying vermiculite containing asbestos, it is often not a question of how often vermiculite contains asbestos, but it is more important to determine its origin. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral, and so is asbestos. When a vermiculite deposit is near asbestos deposits, the risk of contamination is much greater. However, there are some places in the world where vermiculite is mined pure and has no risk of contamination.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) now uses handheld spectrometer devices to determine whether minerals have been contaminated with asbestos. Currently, any vermiculite insulation suspected of being contaminated requires collecting a sample and sending it to a remote testing facility to determine whether it is contaminated. These new devices allow for accurate on-site inspections to test for contamination.

Vermiculite is no longer used in home insulation, but there are still many older homes throughout the country that contain vermiculite insulation, some of which could be contaminated by asbestos. Many brands of vermiculite insulation have since been identified as hazardous, and there are various options for property owners to have insulation abated or removed to eliminate the risk of asbestos exposure.

Health Risks of Contaminated Vermiculite

The most commonly reported health risk of contaminated vermiculite is mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. Any amount of exposure to asbestos can potentially cause mesothelioma, and this disease takes a very long time to start showing noticeable symptoms. Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos many years ago, sometimes decades ago.

Mesothelioma is an incurable and terminal form of cancer that most commonly develops in the lungs. After asbestos particles are inhaled, they embed in the pleura, where they gradually cause mesothelioma to develop. The main risk of vermiculite insulation in a home is that over time, the insulation could become damaged or start to deteriorate, and if it is contaminated, it will release asbestos fibers inside the house.

If you own an older home, it is worth considering a professional asbestos risk assessment. Various services will conduct thorough inspections to determine whether your home contains contaminated asbestos and, if so, provide guidance on proper removal. It is crucial that you never attempt to remove vermiculite insulation on your own, and if it is intact, do not disturb it. Doing so could release asbestos particles inside your home.

These particles can circulate through your home’s ventilation system, and it is possible for them to pass through various filters and other barriers. Asbestos fibers are incredibly small, thin, and sharp, and they are also very light. This means that when they are released into the air, they can remain suspended for a long time, increasing the risk of them attaching to clothing or being inhaled.

If you were diagnosed with any asbestos-related medical condition, the team at Wallace & Graham can help. Our firm has years of experience focusing on mesothelioma claims for clients in multiple states, including cases pertaining to contaminated vermiculite. Our firm can review the details of your situation and explain your legal options if you were diagnosed with mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure.

FAQs

Q: How Often Does Vermiculite Have Asbestos?

A: Vermiculite rarely contains asbestos, and it is more commonly found in vermiculite mined in certain areas compared to others. For example, a great deal of vermiculite used in home insulation prior to 1990 was mined in Libby, Montana, and was found to be contaminated with amphibole asbestos. Comparatively, vermiculite mined in Louisa, Virginia, and Enoree, South Carolina, was found pure.

Q: Is It Safe to Live in a House With Vermiculite Insulation?

A: It is generally considered unsafe to live in a house with vermiculite insulation if it is possible that the insulation is contaminated with asbestos. Several brands of insulation have been identified to have been made with contaminated vermiculite mined in Libby, MT. If you are unsure whether the vermiculite insulation in your home could be contaminated, it is important to consult a professional removal service.

Q: Can I Remove Vermiculite Insulation by Myself?

A: You should absolutely not attempt any type of vermiculite insulation removal by yourself. Even if you research the brand used to insulate your home and determine it is a low risk of containing asbestos, you should never attempt this on your own. Hire an experienced professional removal service so they can remove it safely and minimize the risk of any contamination.

Q: Can I File a Lawsuit for Vermiculite Insulation?

A: You may have grounds to file a lawsuit for vermiculite insulation if this substance has caused you or a loved one to develop mesothelioma or some other medical condition. It will be important to prove that the substance is directly responsible for your condition, and you will need to prove that the manufacturer or other party is liable for your damages. Consult a mesothelioma lawyer if you believe you may have grounds to file a case.

Q: Is Mesothelioma Curable?

A: No, mesothelioma is incurable. The survival rate for this disease varies depending on the stage at which the victim is diagnosed. The American Cancer Society reports that the five-year survival rate is about 24% for localized mesothelioma, while mesothelioma that has spread to distant parts of the body drops the five-year survival rate to about 7%. Early detection and proper treatment can extend lifespan, but every patient will have unique challenges.

The team at Wallace & Graham can help you understand your legal options if you were exposed to contaminated vermiculite insulation and have developed mesothelioma or another adverse health condition due to your exposure. You have limited time to pursue your case, so it’s important to connect with experienced legal counsel as quickly as possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can assist you.