Vermiculite Insulation Hazards in Homes & Buildings across Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean, vermiculite has been a commercial commodity for many years. Vermiculite is a type of mineral that when heated to a high temperature, its flakes expand as much as 8 to 30 times their original size.  This light-weight, fire-resistant and odorless material has made it a useful component of products in the past, including insulation for attics and walls.
 
The source of over 70% of all vermiculite sold in the United States from 1919 to 1990 came from a mine near Libby, Montana. Unfortunately, there was also a deposit of asbestos at that mine, so much of the vermiculite also contained asbestos.
 
Properties with vermiculite insulation may pose a health risk for building occupants. If the insulation is disturbed, asbestos fibers that become airborne can increase people’s risk of developing diseases that include asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.  These conditions may not occur until decades after exposure in some circumstances. The risk of disease increases as the level, duration and frequency of exposure increases.
 
“If you suspect vermiculite insulation is present where you live or work, it’s important to make sure the material is not disturbed in any way,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure so it’s essential that any suspect materials are tested.  If it comes back positive for asbestos, there are steps that can be taken to safely remove the material or to ensure that it is not posing a health risk for building occupants.”
 
One of the leading asbestos testing providers in Puerto Rico and across the region is Zimmetry Environmental. There asbestos and indoor air quality experts provide testing, monitoring and consulting services to identify and resolve exposure risks due to vermiculite insulation and other asbestos-containing materials. 
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their asbestos, indoor air quality, environmental and compliance consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005, or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality (IAQ), asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.
 

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail