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OT: asbestos in vermiculite attic insulation

http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/insulation.html

Just in case anyone missed this (and I'm not sure it's as widely known as it should be) the EPA has released a warning regarding vermiculite attic insulation containing a particularly nasty form of asbestos. The stuff was sold from the early 1960s through late 1980s.

I post this because we have had little bits of "stuff" falling out of our forced air vents each october when we start the system up (hurrah for California weather) and when I first read the article I nearly fell over. We have a 2 year old daughter. I checked out attic last night and it's actually cellulose fiber insulation ... phew.

Anyway, if you're unsure, and you're about to go into your attic to do some wiring, or remodelling or other audio-related installation just beware. If you have this stuff in the attic or in wall cavities you may want to reconsider.

Safe listening all !
seandtaylor99

Showing 1 response by seandtaylor99

seandtaylor99 OP
1,262 posts
 
Dweller, the asbestos shingles and brake pads are not as dangerous because the asbestos is more contained than in the zonolite insulation. For example the vermiculite was also mixed into concrete and sprayed onto buildings (e.g. world trade center) but is much less dangerous in this form due to the asbestos being suspended in the concrete.

Many thanks to the audiogon moderators for allowing this completely off-topic thread through. The more people that know about this stuff the less hazardous it will be. As the EPA says if you leave it alone it's not likely to be a problem.

Note also that vermiculite currently being sold does not contain this asbestos because it is mined at different sources where asbestos does not contaminate the vermiculite. So all you gardeners just carry on ...
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