Could Asbestos be in Your Attic and Wall Insulation?

Cinnaminson, NJ, October 14, 2013

Last month, two of the leading asbestos experts in the nation were asked to speak about the current New York State Asbestos & Vermiculite Guidance to the Metro New York Chapter of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). Robert DeMalo and Ed Cahill, both from EMSL Analytical, updated the industrial hygiene professionals in attendance about this important topic.

Vermiculite is a type of mineral that has been a commercial commodity throughout the world for well over 70 years. When heated to a high temperature, flakes of vermiculite can expand as much as 30 times their original size. The expanded vermiculite is a light-weight, fire-resistant and odorless material that has been used in numerous products, including insulation for attics and walls and block fill.

A mine near Libby, Montana, was the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the United States from 1919 to 1990. Unfortunately, there was also a deposit of asbestos at that mine, so the vermiculite from Libby was contaminated with asbestos.

Countless homes across New York and throughout North America have vermiculite insulation which may contain asbestos. In addition to loose fill vermiculite used as insulation in attics, wall cavities and block fill, vermiculite was also added as a component to many other building materials including spray on insulation and some wall textures.

“If you have vermiculite insulation or vermiculite containing materials in your home, asbestos testing services are available that can quickly determine if asbestos is present,” said Ed Cahill, Vice President, Asbestos Division at EMSL Analytical, one of the largest asbestos testing laboratories in North America.  “The biggest danger is caused by the asbestos fibers becoming airborne so the most important first step is to not disturb the material. EMSL provides sampling supplies and testing services to determine if asbestos is present.”

EMSL has sponsored a video about vermiculite insulation that can be seen at:

http://youtu.be/WDNVhBwKmpc

To learn more about vermiculite insulation and asbestos testing services please visit www.VermiculiteTesting.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com