What Zonolite Insulation Looks Like Zonolite asbestos insulation is comprised of nuggets that are about 1/8″ to 1/4″ inch. When the insulation is new, the nuggets are a bit glittery, and silvery or golden brownish.
Does Zonolite insulation have asbestos?
If you have vermiculite insulation in your house, Zonolite brand or other, you can assume that it may contain asbestos. The Libby mine was closed in 1990, but many houses still have vermiculite insulation. Since asbestos in vermiculite is friable, which means that it’s not contained, it’s important for it to be handled with caution.
What is Zonolite made of?
Zonolite is made out of vermiculite, a naturally occurring mineral with a silver-gold or light brown color. W.R. Grace and Company produced Zonolite with vermiculite from a mine in Libby, Montana, that was contaminated with tremolite asbestos. Zonolite provided an easy DIY attic insulation solution for American homeowners.
Is all vermiculite Zonolite?
All vermiculite isn’t Zonolite. But so much vermiculite has been tested and confirmed that it’s better to err on the side of caution. If there’s gray-brown pebbly insulation on the attic floor, it most likely contains enough asbestos to be a hazard to the people living there.
What does vermiculite insulation look like?
Look at the photos on this website and then look at the insulation without disturbing it. Vermiculite insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually gray-brown or silver-gold in color. The following photographs show typical vermiculite insulation.
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How can you tell if insulation is zonolite?
Insulators also refer to it as “loose-fill” and “blown-in” insulation. Colors to look out for in these pebbles are grayish, brown, or silvery gold. If your home was built before the 1990s and contains this texture and color, it may contain zonolite or some variation.
How do I know if my insulation has asbestos?
You can test the insulation for asbestos using an asbestos testing kit or by having a sample tested at an approved testing laboratory. If you discover that you do have insulation containing asbestos, you can leave it in place or have it removed by a local asbestos abatement company.
Is Zonolite and vermiculite the same?
Vermiculite from Libby was used in the majority of vermiculite insulation in the United States and was often sold under the brand name Zonolite.
When did they stop selling Zonolite?
Zonolite is a trademarked brand name of a vermiculite attic insulation that was sold between the 1940s and 1990s.
Does zonolite contain asbestos?
Vermiculite mined by the W.R. Grace Company at the Libby Montana mine and marketed under the brand name “Zonolite” has been shown to contain a type of amphibole asbestos fibre, commonly called tremolite.
What happens if you breathe in asbestos once?
Is One-Time Exposure Harmful? It is possible to develop an illness such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, pleural effusions or lung cancer after a one-time exposure to asbestos if the exposure was significant enough to lead to asbestos particles lodging in the body's tissues.
How can I tell if my vermiculite insulation contains asbestos?
How can I tell if my vermiculite insulation contains asbestos? The majority of all vermiculite insulation pro- duced before 1990 used contaminated vermicu- lite from Libby. Asbestos fibers in vermiculite are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Only a trained technician using a microscope can see asbestos fibers.
Is it safe to buy a house with vermiculite insulation?
The Fine “One Percent” Line As we touched upon, the EPA agrees that vermiculite insulation containing less than one percent of asbestos is safe to be used within a home. This sort of insulation typically comes in the form of Zonolite, a common form of insulation that appears as a pebble-like substance.
How much exposure to asbestos will cause mesothelioma?
There is no safe amount of asbestos exposure. Even one-time asbestos exposure can lead to asbestos-related diseases such as pleural thickening, lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Where was zonolite used?
attic insulationZonolite Insulation is the trademarked name of a product mined in Libby, MT, and sold as attic insulation between the 1940's and mid-1980's. Consisting of the naturally occurring mineral vermiculite, Zonolite was used for decades to insulate millions of American homes.
What insulation looks like sawdust?
Cellulose insulation is made almost entirely of recycled newspapers, making it the “greenest” insulation product available. The physical consistency of cellulose is similar to clumpy sawdust, and it can either be loose blown into attics or dense packed into side walls or floored attics.
Can I insulate my own attic?
You can insulate your attic either by blowing in loose-fill cellulose insulation or by laying fiberglass batts between the ceiling joists. Installing one layer of R-19 insulation by yourself in an attic 60 feet by 40 feet will cost $2,000 to $2,500.
How can you tell the difference between asbestos and fiberglass insulation?
Differences: Asbestos and FiberglassAsbestosFiberglassIt is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of very fine fibers and consists of the mineral.It is a man-made mineral that is composed of long strands of glass that are very thin.5 more rows•Aug 18, 2022
When did insulation stop having asbestos?
From the early 1900s until the 1980s, asbestos products comprised almost all insulation products used in the United States. Then the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) banned asbestos in insulation products.
How do you know if its asbestos?
In order to be certain of asbestos, samples should be sent to a specialist laboratory. This is the only definitive way to tell whether asbestos is present, and which variation of it is contained in the material. The information laboratories provide can help you deal with its removal/maintenance accordingly.
How do I know if I have asbestos in my attic?
Signs You May Have Asbestos in Your HomeBuilt before 1980.Features popcorn ceilings and textured paint.The exterior is built of cement shingles and siding.Attic insulation is loose fill (i.e., not made of a uniform material like foam blocks)
Where is vermiculite insulation found?
Over 80% of the nations vermiculite, and over 90% of the vermiculite installed in southeast Wisconsin is believed to be Zonolite brand vermiculite insulation. One of our nation’s worst environmental and health disasters, Libby, Montana is one of the EPA’s largest super-fund sites.
Why is my attic vermiculite?
Common reasons for disturbing attic vermiculite are: air sealing and insulating an attic by homeowner or insulation contractor. deep renovations on foreclosures and homes being “flipped” by renovators. unplanned repairs caused by water or fire damage. Deferment from low income weatherization programs.
What is vermiculite on the left?
Answer: Above is a photo of what typical vermiculite looks like. On the left is a fine granulated vermiculite and on the right is coarse granulated vermiculite from.
How deep is vermiculite?
When vermiculite is 6-8″ deep and there is additional insulation on top of the vermiculite the cost to remove increases. Other factors, such as proximity of the attic to where our vermiculite removal rig can get parked makes a big difference.
Where is vermiculite found in homes?
With large processing plants throughout the greater Milwaukee and Chicago area (including Racine and Kenosha), it is estimated that tens of thousands of homes in southeast Wisconsin have vermiculite in the attic. Some older homes with balloon construction even have it in the walls. Over 80% of the nations vermiculite, ...
Is it illegal to collect vermiculite in a vacuum bag?
Note The insulation material being collected in these bags is not vermiculite insulation. Collecting vermiculite in a vacuum bag that is exposed or in an enclosed trailer would be illegal. Click photo to enlarge.
Is vermiculite insulation cellulose?
In this picture the vermiculite attic insulation is in contact with both fiberglass and cellulose insulation. As a result these materials must also be treated as contaminated with asbestos fibers. There is also roofing material and other debris that will need to be removed. Click the image to enlarge.
What color is zonolilte?
Zonolilte is often a silver-gold or gray-brown color, which is another way to identify the insulation particles.
What is vermiculite used for?
In addition to building insulation, vermiculite is commonly used with gardening for loosening soil. More specifically, vermiculite insulation which was mined in Montana by the Libby company is one to watch for. It was sold under the brand Zonolite, for about 70 years.
Is Loose Fill Fluffy and White, With Some Shine?
If this sounds like what you have, it is likely fiberglass fill. Due to being a byproduct of glass, it has some shine in light. The texture is fluffy, similar to that of cotton candy. When it comes to breathing, fiberglass can be annoying, and known to cause cancer.
Is zonolite a mineral?
Loose fill fiberglass often fluffs and appears more like a snow drift. Zonolite is a lightweight mineral, and reacts with high temperatures that result in puffing particles.
Is asbestos insulation a health hazard?
If you’ve got asbestos insulation in your property it poses a health hazard. Barrier insulation provides insulation removal services in the Phoenix Valley and is an insulation installation contractor. That means we can remove dangerous, damaged, or ineffective insulation and replace it with the highest performance insulation on the market. From spray foam insulation to loose fill blown in insulation we will help you choose a cost effective and high performance insulation solution to help keep you comfortable all year long.
Is zonolite asbestos?
Because Zonolite had been contaminated with tremolite, it resulted in being a health hazard. Tremolite is similar to asbestos. About 70% of U.S. vermiculite attic insulation originated from the Libby mine, while 30% came from other sources.
Can asbestos be found in attic insulation?
However, there are loose-fill wall and attic insulation which can contain asbestos. If you’re insulation is the batt style insulation, as the loose fill insulation has the higher risk as it’s loosely poured into wall or joist cavities. You may also find thousands of loose particles within walls or under attic flooring.
What is a vermiculite insulator?
Vermiculite-asbestos insulation resembles rocky gravel. It is installed by pouring it into the desired location. Insulators also refer to it as “loose-fill” and “blown-in” insulation. Colors to look out for in these pebbles are grayish, brown, or silvery gold. If your home was built before the 1990s and contains this texture and color, it may contain zonolite or some variation.
What Should I Do If I Find Vermiculite-Asbestos Insulation?
After an accredited organization determines contamination, you should hire a certified asbestos removal company to either completely remove or encapsulate (cover) asbestos materials.
What is toxic insulation made of?
Most toxic insulation is made of vermiculite contaminated with asbestos. The most common types of materials reinforced by the mineral with the toxin are paper, paint, adhesive, textiles, wood, drywall, or cement building items. Hot water and steam pipes, furnace ducts, attic or basement walls are the most common household structures to be aware of.
Where is vermiculite mined?
There was a large vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana that at one point, made up for approximately 80% of the world’s vermiculite supply. What most didn’t know, however, was that all impure vermiculite from this mine held asbestos crystals. In fact, miners harvested impure vermiculite since 1881.
How much recycled paper is in a netting?
Contains approximately 85% recycled paper products. Next, manufacturers treat it with chemicals that streamline fire resistance. It comes as a liquid compound workers spray-on or in a rock-like form that insulators install behind a netting.
What is mineral wool made of?
Another common product used in insulation, mineral wool consists of approximately 75% post-industrial recycled materials like waste matter from molten metal, or natural minerals like basalt or diabase.
Is vermiculite dangerous?
Vermiculite is another mineral like asbestos in its resilient properties. However, it isn’t as dangerous. Manufacturers also used vermiculite to reinforce insulation for a range of products while miners supplied them with tons of the mineral they’d mine and sell to companies around the world.
What color is vermiculite insulation?
Vermiculite insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually gray-brown or silver-gold in color.
What is vermiculite made of?
What is Vermiculite. Vermiculite is a naturally-occurring mineral composed of shiny flakes, resembling mica. When heated to a high temperature, flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8-30 times their original size.
What is expanded vermiculite?
The expanded vermiculite is a light-weight, fire-resistant, and odorless material and has been used in numerous products, including insulation for attics and walls. Sizes of vermiculite products range from very fine particles to large (coarse) pieces nearly an inch long.
Is vermiculite asbestos?
You should assume that vermiculite insulation is from Libby and treat the material as if it contained asbestos by not disturbing it or by using a trained professional if it needs to be removed. Since the Libby mine was estimated to be the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the United States from 1919 to 1990 and vermiculite from Libby was contaminated with asbestos, further testing is not necessary to take the appropriate precautions. While you can hire a trained professional to test your attic for asbestos, this may be expensive and, depending on the methods used, might give you erroneous results. We do not recommend that you open your walls to check for vermiculite.
Is vermiculite asbestos contaminated?
Concerns about Asbestos-contaminated Vermiculite Insulation. A mine near Libby, Montana, was the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the United States from 1919 to 1990. There was also a deposit of asbestos at that mine, so the vermiculite from Libby was contaminated with asbestos. Vermiculite from Libby was used in the majority ...
Can you remove insulation yourself?
Do not attempt to remove the insulation yourself.
Can you leave vermiculite in the attic?
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 ...
Is vermiculite a dangerous mineral?
It’s also commonly used in potting soil since it holds water, making it easier for plants to grow. While vermiculite itself isn’t dangerous, most vermiculite insulation contains asbestos, which is dangerous and causes health problems when inhaled.
Is vermiculite safe to use in potting soil?
The vermiculite used in potting soils is considered safe since there is little possibility that it came from the Libby mine . Vermiculite in soil is in such small concentrations that negative health effects are rarely seen. For those with concerns, it may be best to buy soil without vermiculite.
What is the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust?
The Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust helps homeowners who have asbestos insulation get rid of it safely. They also help with re-insulation. The Trust will reimburse homeowners 55 percent of the cost of removal and new insulation.
How to get rid of zonolite in a home?
Asbestos abatement professionals have the tools necessary to rid a home of Zonolite for good. If you spot Zonolite in a home, encourage the homeowner to schedule an appointment with an asbestos abatement company. In the meantime, minimize any exposure to the stuff when inspecting a property.
What tool do home inspectors use to find vermiculite?
Their hand-held spectrometer can save serious time for inspectors while providing peace of mind for homeowners.
Is zonolite dangerous?
Even when Zonolite contained less than one percent, the court said it was still dangerous. One reason why is because the type of asbestos in Zonolite was often “amphibole,” says StructureTech. That’s a more dangerous type than the chrysotile asbestos that was used in many other home products.
Is zonolite safe for homes?
For years, Zonolite was used in the insulation of homes throughout the United States. While some believe the substance to be safe, a 2008 class-action lawsuit against W.R. Grace, owner of the Montana mine that produced Zonolite, came to a different conclusion. The court found that one percent wasn’t a strict enough standard.
Is vermiculite insulation dangerous?
The Fine Line of One Percent. The EPA says that vermiculite insulation, which is the pebbly stuff found in attics of many older homes, is only risky if it contains more than one percent asbestos. That’s good news, because most Zonolite, a type of vermiculite insulation, falls into that category. For years, Zonolite was used in the insulation ...
Can you use vermiculite insulation in the attic?
In the meantime, homeowners should avoid using vermiculite-insulated attics as storage space. Children should be kept away from the attic, too. Anything that can disrupt the insulation in any way presents a new risk, so closing off the attic entirely is best – at least until the professionals can come in to do their part.
What percentage of vermiculite insulation is asbestos?
Insulation made from this material represents over 70 percent of the vermiculite insulation found in U.S. homes. Because the Libby mine closed in 1990, houses built or remodeled before that date might have asbestos-containing insulation. If the house was built after 1990, the chance that your house has asbestos-contaminated insulation are reduced ...
How to test for asbestos in insulation?
You can test the insulation for asbestos using an asbestos testing kit or by having a sample tested at an approved testing laboratory. If you discover that you do have insulation containing asbestos, you can leave it in place or have it removed by a local asbestos abatement company.
What is fiberglass fill?
If you have loose-fill insulation that is white and fluffy and has a little shine, it is probably fiberglass fill. Because it is a glass product, fiberglass has a slight shine when subjected to bright light. It is very soft, almost like cotton candy, and is composed of very fine fibers 2 .
What type of insulation is used in a batt?
Loose-Fill Insulation. If your attic or wall insulation is in batt or blanket form, whether it's fiberglass, cellulose, or another material, you generally don't have to be concerned about asbestos. The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose-fill, also called blown-in, insulation.
Where is asbestos insulation found?
In the United States, most of the vermiculite insulation containing asbestos was sourced from a mine near Libby, Montana, which was active until 1990.
Does loose fill insulation have paper backing?
Loose-fill never has paper or other types of backing, like some (but not all) batt and blanket insulation does. If you determine that your attic or walls have loose-fill insulation, the next step is to determine what type of material it is, as only some types may contain asbestos.
Is rock wool asbestos?
Rock wool is installed as loose insulation or as woven insulation batts. Like fiberglass, it should be handled with care , but it is not known to contain asbestos or pose any serious health risks.
What Is It?
- If you have never seen vermiculite insulating an attic, you may have seen it in potting soil. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral worldwide. When heated rapidly to high temperatures, this crystalline mineral expands into low density, accordion-like, golden brown strands. In fact, its worm-like shape is what gives vermiculite its name. The ...
Where Was It used?
- Sold under various brand names, such as Zonolite Attic Insulation, the insulation came in big bags. Thousands of homeowners simply opened the bags and poured the vermiculite onto their attic floor and sometimes down exterior walls. It was generally not used in new construction.
When Was It used?
- Worldwide, vermiculite has been used in various industries as long ago as 1920. With the upsurge in home ownership during the baby boom, vermiculite insulation was a popular material in the 1950’s, and continued with the energy crisis into the late 1970’s. In Canada, it was one of the insulating materials allowed under the Canadian Home Insulation Program from about 1976 to t…
What Is The Problem?
- The majority of the vermiculite used worldwide was from a mine in Libby, Montana, owned and operated since 1963 by W.R. Grace. The mine was closed in 1990. As well as being rich in vermiculite, this mine had the misfortune of having a deposit of tremolite, a type of asbestos. When the vermiculite was extracted, some tremolite came in with the mix. For Canadian use, th…
What Is The Risk?
- Asbestos minerals tend to separate into microscopic particles that become airborne and are easily inhaled. People exposed to asbestos in the workplace have developed several types of life-threatening diseases, including lung cancer. Workers in and around the Libby mine developed serious health problems. Like any hazards, length and intensity of exposure are major factors in …
Recommendations
- If the attic or walls of a house contain vermiculite insulation, leave it alone. Avoid disturbing the material. Do not sweep it or vacuum it up. Do not store belongings in the attic. If work is planned that involves these areas, for example installing potlights in a room below the attic, send a sample of the vermiculite to a private lab. Send several samples, and use a lab specializing in asbestos …