For many years people have lived and worked with a danger lurking all around. This danger is known as insulation. Yes, insulation. Years ago when vermiculite was mined in Libby, MT most of it was contaminated with asbestos. Zonolite is the trade name for this asbestos tainted insulation, but it may have been sold under other names also.
There are 5 things the EPA recommends you do, if you have or suspect you have vermiculite insulation (https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-asbestos-contaminated-vermiculite-insulation)
1) Leave vermiculite insulation undisturbed in your attic or in your walls.
2) Do not store boxes or other items in your attic if it contains vermiculite insulation.
3) Do not allow children to play in an attic with vermiculite insulation.
4) Do not attempt to remove the insulation yourself.
5) Hire a professional asbestos contractor if you plan to remodel or conduct renovations that would disturb the vermiculite in your attic or walls to make sure the material is safely handled and/or removed.
The key is to prevent or minimize the chance that asbestos fibers can become airborne and expose people in the area. This would include working in the attic to run cables, add/change antennas, installing skylights, etc – whether the work is done by the homeowner or by a contractor.
Remember this insulation can also be found in the walls, so as you remodel be very careful when creating holes in the walls and ceilings to remove/install electrical outlets, run wires, hang lamps, hang pictures, etc. These types of activities can lead to vermiculite becoming disturbed and creating a hazardous situation.
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