The History of Vermiculite Insulation
Vermiculite insulation was once a popular choice for homeowners due to its affordability, fire-resistance, and ease of installation. It was commonly used from the early 1920s to the late 1980s to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs by being poured, blown, or placed by hand into attics, walls, and crawl spaces. However, it was later discovered that vermiculite insulation contained asbestos, a mineral known to cause various lung diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos is a known carcinogen and can increase the risk for lung cancers when exposed to these fibers. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can remain airborne for extended periods, which can be hazardous to your health if inhaled.
Canada has a long and complex history of vermiculite mining, with mines in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. In the 1990s, it was discovered that vermiculite from a mine in Libby, Montana, which supplied much of the vermiculite used in Canada, was contaminated with asbestos. This led to a major cleanup effort in Canada, and many vermiculite mines were closed as a result.
Vermiculite is typically found in homes built between 1920 and 1960
If your home was built before 1980, it’s possible that it contains vermiculite insulation. I typically see vermiculite insulation in homes built between 1920 and 1960. Disturbing vermiculite insulation can release asbestos fibers into the air, which can be hazardous to your health. Asbestos fibers can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis when inhaled. It’s essential to avoid disturbing vermiculite insulation and hire a professional trained in handling asbestos if you need to work in an area that contains it. WorkSafe BC notes that vermiculite insulation can stay in place as long as it will not be disturbed, but if you are planning major renovations, you may need to have it removed by a professional abatement company to prevent the release of asbestos fibers in the home.
Identifying and Dealing with Vermiculite Insulation
Vermiculite insulation is a light and almost popcorn-textured material that resembles small grey pebbles. It is typically grey in color and is commonly found in attic spaces. In some cases, it may be concealed under other insulation materials. Additionally, vermiculite insulation can be found in crawl spaces where it has fallen out of wall assemblies.
If your home inspector finds vermiculite during your home inspection, they may recommend having it tested for asbestos. The presence of vermiculite insulation can be a significant discovery if the seller of the home has not disclosed this information to the new buyers. It’s essential to understand the potential costs of remediation if ever required or desired, as removal and replacement of this insulation can be costly. Most professional contractors will not work around vermiculite insulation as they can be fined for such activities if done in an unsafe manner. The presence of vermiculite insulation can also have an impact on future sales of your home. Stay safe and informed when it comes to vermiculite insulation in your home and always hire a professional home inspector when purchasing a new home!
Helpful resources for homebuyers
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/news-events/campaigns/asbestos
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/air-quality/indoor-air-contaminants/health-risks-asbestos.html
If your buying or selling a home in the North Okanagan or Shuswap, give the pros at Argos Home Inspection a call. Come find out why we are quickly becoming the highest rated home inspection company and why our clients love what we do! Check out www.argoshome.ca or give us a call at 250-937-7754.
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