Vermiculite Insulation could be a Health Threat to Families

The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) professionals at Clark Seif Clark (CSC) provide asbestos sampling to ensure building occupants are not exposed to their deadly fibers.

Since 2002, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been conducting evaluations of the public health implications from vermiculite contamination at various facilities across the State of California.

Vermiculite is a mineral that was heavily used in construction and consumer materials in the past. The reason for all the concern regarding vermiculite is that much of it may contain asbestos fibers. In fact, as many as 35 million homes across America may be contaminated with asbestos tainted vermiculite insulation. Many of these properties can be found across the West Coast and Southwest.

According to an EPA fact sheet on vermiculite insulation that was released in June of 2009, “A mine near Libby, Montana was the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the U.S. 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 of vermiculite insulation in the U.S and was often sold under the brand name Zonolite. If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos.”

Clark Seif Clark, a leading provider of indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental testing services, has extensive experience testing vermiculite insulation for asbestos. “It’s well recognized that exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can cause cancers and respiratory illnesses,” reported Derrick A. Denis, V.P. Indoor Environmental Quality at CSC. “If you suspect your property has vermiculite insulation, do not disturb the material. A quick assessment by a certified asbestos professional from CSC will help you determine a prudent course of action regarding vermiculite or any other suspect asbestos containing materials on site.”

To learn more about how CSC can help with vermiculite insulation, asbestos, IAQ, mold and other environmental issues please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark (CSC)
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both the public and private sectors address environmental issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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