California Remodeling Companies and DIY Enthusiasts Cautioned About Vermiculite Insulation Exposure

According to some estimates, around 33 million homes across North America have attic insulation produced from vermiculite mined from Libby, Montana. Many of these properties can be found across California and it is a concern because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that there was also a deposit of asbestos at the mine, so the vermiculite from Libby was contaminated with asbestos.

The EPA has a dedicated section of the agency’s website for sharing information about vermiculite insulation to educate the public and help prevent exposure risks. It states that vermiculite is a light-weight, fire-resistant and odorless material that has been used in numerous products, including insulation for attics and walls. Sizes of vermiculite products range from very fine particles to large pieces nearly an inch long.

“Exposure to asbestos fibers is known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “The EPA proclaims that there is no known safe level of asbestos exposure and that asbestos fibers must be airborne to cause a health risk through inhalation. If one removes or disturbs insulation containing asbestos, it is probable that they may inhale some asbestos fibers. Anyone in California that is thinking about embarking on a home renovation project in an older property should be on the lookout for insulation made from vermiculite. This is also true for construction and remodeling companies.”

California residents and companies concerned over the potential presence of vermiculite insulation or other sources of asbestos can turn to the experts at LA Testing for answers. They provide laboratory services to identify asbestos and offer all of the sampling supplies needed. They even carry a line of test kits for vermiculite attic insulation and other asbestos-containing materials, including floor tiles, popcorn ceilings, sheetrock and other products.

To learn more about vermiculite, asbestos or other indoor environmental quality, building science, occupational, health and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to asbestos and other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

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