Apr
Certified Vermiculite Testing For Asbestos Exposure
Vermiculite testing can help you determine whether or not your insulation contains asbestos. If your insulation is more than 20 years old there is a high risk of asbestos contamination.
The superior fire resistance and insulating capabilities of vermiculite made it a popular choice for building insulation. By itself, vermiculite is safe; however, contact with asbestos during mining, especially in the Libby mines in Montana where most of it came from (from 1919 to 1990) has raised health concerns. Health Canada and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are warning people about prolonged exposure to this toxic substance. Asbestos is a known carcinogen (cancer causing substance) and continual contact is linked to many serious illnesses.
What are the health risks associated with vermiculite that contains asbestos?
- Asbestosis: A scarring of the lungs which makes breathing difficult
- Mesothelioma: A rare cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity caused by prolonged (and high concentration) asbestosis exposure
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis Pleural Disease: A nonmalignant disease that causes scarring of the thin membranes lining the lung and chest
As long as this kind of vermiculite-based insulation remains undisturbed behind intact walls or in attic spaces and does not become airborne, it should not be a concern. It becomes dangerous, however, when the asbestos fibers are released into the air. The tiny asbestos fibers can be breathed into the lungs and remain in the respiratory system for a long time causing debilitating illnesses like those mentioned above.
Vermiculite testing puts an end to the guesswork and stress. Once the findings are verified you can schedule removal. Vermiculite inspection and removal should only be done by qualified professionals. Training, experience and the right tools prevent any health and safety issues. Unnecessary exposure could put you in harm’s way as well as worsen the problem.
Templar Environmental Services/Asbestos Analysis & Removal Services offers vermiculite testing by certified inspectors. The findings are verified by independent laboratory analysis to ensure maximum accuracy. The vermiculite test results form the basis of our asbestos removal plan.
Call Templar Environmental Services today at 416.209.4857 for vermiculite testing, inspection and removal.