Recent short stories appear on Ideomancer.com and in Ellen Datlow's anthology "Blood and Other Cravings." People have a problem with it because they don't understand how it works. While vermiculite does not inherently contain asbestos, it has become popularly associated with the risk of asbestos inhalation to the point that some gardeners will not use it at all. For decades, W … Vermiculite is found in market in different sizes. It might look harmless, but some vermiculite has a nasty personality. However, that is not to say it cannot contain asbestos. Vermiculite is safe as long as it has moisture. Asbestos is a fibrogenic dust, which, if inhaled, can cause lasting damage to the lungs. Most of the risk today from vermiculite stems from insulation installed in houses while the Libby mine was in operation. As a result, it works well in the manufacture of animal feed. 9 Ways to Keep Your Dog Active Inside During the Winter, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. If your home was built before 1990, you might have vermiculite insulation in your walls or attic. Vermiculite is a mineral that was used for insulation. It does not have any proven toxic or carcinogenic effects and does not contain any trace of asbestos or other harmful minerals. Earlier when vermiculite was mined, the ore often contained asbestos. It is also a known carcinogen. Although testing of vermiculite mined in the U.S. is stringent, the examination of vermiculite in other countries is not always so rigorous. This property was well known to people in the 19th century, although it was treated as a novelty rather than a potentially useful mineral until people realized its potential for things like insulation and concrete mixing. Even though vermiculite and perlite are safe for vegetables, that doesn’t mean they are necessary for them. So you have nothing to worry about, both you and your plants are at no risk like vermiculite. Learn about the vermiculite lightweight concrete, thermal insulation for many heat resistant applications and fireproofing. It’s often up to home inspectors to spot the difference between the vermiculite that contains asbestos and the kind that does not. Sizes of vermiculite differ from large pieces to fine particles. Nuisance dust may also get in your eyes and cause irritation there. Vermiculite which is accompanied by a great deal of dust likely has residual asbestos in its contents and should be used with caution. Although not all vermiculite contains asbestos, some products were made with vermiculite that contained asbestos until the early 1990s. In the past, asbestos was found in some vermiculite mines. Vermiculite has been used in building insulation, potting soil and fertilizer. The medium is considered safe for commercial and personal use. Root vegetables like carrot, radish, potatoes, beets, onion and garlic will all need the additional drainage. This association originates in a mine near Libby, Montana, which supplied over 70 percent of all vermiculite available in the U.S. from 1919 until the mine's closure in 1990. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Vermiculite is a fairly safe material to use, because as we mentioned earlier, this is a natural mineral. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends that if you have vermiculite, it’s best to assume it contains asbestos and leave it alone. While it would be nice to assume that all vermiculite was designed with the health and safety of consumers in mind, that’s not always the case. If you want to be completely sure, purchase vermiculite that has been certified asbestos free. * Assume Asbestos Contamination: There’s no firm cut off date for asbestos contaminated insulation; so to be safe, treat all vermiculite insulation as if it contains asbestos. That means no asbestos abatement contractors get involved, and removal of the vermiculite insulation is done with essentially a giant vacuum. Vermiculite has many uses, from insulation to swimming pools. Disposal of vermiculite is not hazardous to the environment. If it’s found to contain less than 1 percent asbestos, it’s not considered an ACM. Your potting soil additive is probably safe. Vermiculite is not a toxic substance and safe to use in gardening. The vast majority of tests come back having less than 1 percent asbestos. All plants need good drainage, but certain vegetables will do better with really loose and aerated soil. Most of the risk today from vermiculite stems from insulation installed in houses while the Libby mine was in operation. Vermiculite is a hydrous mineral type of the Mica family of phyllosilicates, often golden-brown in colour. To prevent dust getting in your eyes, wear protective goggles. In Minne­sota, where I live, an insulation contractor’s first step is having the insulation tested for asbestos. Is vermiculite safe for houseplants? Reuben Saltzman has been a home inspector since 1997 and is the president of Structure Tech, a home inspection company in St. Louis Park, MN. The material holds a lot of liquid while retaining characteristics that make it easy to handle, and it is safe for animals to ingest. Vermiculite doesn't pose a threat to plants. The United States’ Environmental Protection Agency has conducted similar testing and come to the same conclusion – that horticultural vermiculite is considered safe and does not pose an elevated risk of cancer to the user. You're probably familiar with this mica-like mineral as a potting mix additive: it breaks up the soil, providing better aeration, and it retains water and fertilizer. And, the type of asbestos found in vermiculite—called amphibole—is even more hazardous than the chrysotile asbestos that was more commonly used in the U.S. The risk of airborne particles in this method is high. Some Vermiculite Is Safe A nearby deposit of asbestos contaminated the product and cast suspicion over the entire vermiculite industry. The trust reimburses homeowners for 55 percent of their removal and reinsulation costs, with a maximum payout per owner of $4,125. Here are other things you can’t just toss in the trash at home. To reduce the amount of vermiculite you inhale, handle it in only in well-ventilated areas and wet it down as soon as possible. All Rights Reserved. However, if you believe that your home may contain vermiculite insulation, it is reasonable to assume that it … Vermiculite is best used for water-loving plants that need their soil to stay moist at all times. Vermiculite sold today is subject to strict industry protocols that ensure it is safe to use. Unfortunately, an estimated 75 percent of it came from Libby, Montana, where it usually was contaminated with toxic amphibole asbestos. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from University of Washington and attended the professional SF/F workshop Viable Paradise. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, empty planting pots image by askthegeek from, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency: Vermiculite, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration: Dust and Its Control, The Vermiculite Institute: The Good News From EPA, National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service: Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production. And according to the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust (see “The good news” below), the presence of vermiculite is tantamount to the presence of asbestos. A dust mask and gloves are never bad ideas. Any health and safety problems that you may hear about are associated with one specific vermiculite deposit where naturally occurring asbestos minerals developed alongside the vermiculite. Nicole LeBoeuf-Little is a freelancer from New Orleans, writing professionally since 1994. The name “vermiculite” is derived from the Latin word for worm, a reference to the wormy threads of material which form when vermiculite is exfoliated. But, as part of a major class-action lawsuit, a study determined that exposure to vermiculite with less than 1 percent asbestos is still a potential health hazard and the product should be considered an ACM. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Such a low silicate content makes it largely harmless to the lungs; if you breathe it, you won't suffer irreversible damage. It is safe to handle vermiculite when potting plants or working in the garden. However, to be safe and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, it is reasonable to assume that if your building has older vermiculite-based insulation, it may contain some amphibole asbestos. Vermiculite insulation granules. Next, read: How to Improve Attic Ventilation. But, as part of a major class-action lawsuit, a study determined that exposure to vermiculite with less than 1 percent asbestos is still a potential health hazard and the product should be considered an ACM. Contact an insulation contractor. Previous mines have been contaminated with asbestos. What is vermiculite and how to use it? Because vermiculite is soft, sterile, absorbent and free-flowing, it works well as a support and carrying medium for certain types of nutrients, including vitamin preparations, fat concentrations and molasses. Not all vermiculite produced before 1990 contains amphibole asbestos fibres. This category, also known as "inert dust," contains less than 1 percent quartz. Vermiculite from other sources has since been tested and proven to be asbestos free and harmless. According to its material safety data sheet (MSDS), uncontaminated vermiculite is only classified as a "nuisance dust." However, because the fine dust particles can irritate the respiratory system, it’s advisable to wear a protective mask. Therefore, it is not suitable for long-term application. But some people might wonder if vermiculite is safe. As of today, vermiculite is considered safe for organic gardening as long as it does not contain dust. While vermiculite from these mines is thought to be “safe”, the layers of igneous rock where vermiculite is found almost always contain asbestos. As with all other materials it is important to adopt normal good working practices and to comply with local and national regulatory requirements. Vermiculite is a light and airy rock that’s an important media in growing indoor and outdoor plants. If you use it wet it is fine. If you happen to get vermiculite with residual dust, you should not use it for organic gardening as it will contain EPA regulated amount of asbestos, which is less than 1 percent and even this amount is still very hazardous to human health. The color, composition, and pH of vermiculite vary from mine to mine. Vermiculite itself is not toxic and is safe to use. It is sensitive to mechanical compression, which may pulverize particles. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma, an aggressive and deadly cancer. Vermiculite mines throughout the world are now regularly tested for it and are supposed to sell products that contain no asbestos. If your home was built before 1990, you might have vermiculite insulation in your walls or attic. Unlike fibreglass insulation, it will not degrade over time, which can break down and cause health problems, and as it is also resistant to moisture, it will not be a breeding ground for mould and mildew, the spores from which can cause respiratory problems in those who … Indeed, most vermiculite on the market today is very safe. But breathing it constantly or in excessive concentrations can cause deposits to accumulate in respiratory passages, irritating them and making your cough. We recommend our users to update the browser. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Here are other things you can’t just toss in the trash at home. Add a healthy scoop of vermiculite to the potting soil of plants that like lots of water. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that is perfectly safe when pure. It is a lightweight, safe, loose and easy-to-use dry product. She has published articles in "Pangaia Magazine" and eGuides at StyleCareer.com. Vermiculite has many uses, from insulation to swimming pools. If you use it dry it will wick the moisture out of everything...including a spider. Vermiculate insulation is pebble like concrete, which is gold or light brown in color. It's also a pH-neutral way to add calcium and magnesium. Providing the vermiculite is used and handled in accordance with the suppliers’ recommendations, it can be used in a safe and environmentally friendly way. Vermiculite produced by the Libby Mine has not been on the market in Canada for more than 10 years. Both perlite and vermiculite are safe, effective and easy to use for gardening. Don't rub your eyes if this happens; instead, rinse your eyes with water. Where to buy various grade sizes of loose vermiculite insulation for building not just wood fired ovens? The EPA defines an asbestos-containing material (ACM) as having greater than 1 percent asbestos. -Ruth Allen, Snohomish, WA. Vermiculite has many uses, from insulation to swimming pools. The Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust was established in 2014 to help homeowners with the cost of removing Zonolite Attic Insulation from their homes. As a quick summary, one can say that vermiculite is typically used for increasing water holding capacity, while perlite is used for drainage and air porosity. Is Vermiculite Toxic? Vermiculite itself is safe to use; there is no evidence that any acute or chronic toxicity or carcinogenicity exists from long-term exposure to vermiculite. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). There are a number of steps homeowners can take to reduce the health risks of vermiculite insulation containing asbestos. While pure vermiculite is relatively safe, there are a number of cases where vermiculite-based products were contaminated with asbestos during the extraction … Nearly all vermiculite contains asbestos, which can cause lung cancer when inhaled. You're probably familiar with this mica-like mineral as a potting mix additive: it breaks up the soil, providing better aeration, and it retains water and fertilizer. Up to 85 percent of all vermiculite insulation in the U.S. came from a mine in Libby, Montana, sold under the name Zonolite. Testing is expensive and inaccurate, and the probability of asbestos contamination is so great, that the EPA recommends erring on the side of caution rather than testing for asbestos. So, if you have vermiculite insulation, look into this. This level represents a health risk if the asbestos is inhaled, with exposure to the fibers resulting in serious respiratory diseases. Today, most vermiculite is safe. Such a low silicate content makes it largely harmless to the lungs; if you breathe it, you won't suffer irreversible damage. These include various forms of cancer as well as asbestosis. That’s misleading, as it seems to imply that the product is safe. The reason this can be said with confidence today is that it was not always the case. While in operation, the mine in Libby produced most of the world’s supply of vermiculite. That’s misleading, as it seems to imply that the product is safe. Is it good to add vermiculite to the substrate? In the meantime, leave it alone, even if you had it tested and the test came back “clean.” For more information, visit zonoliteatticinsulation.com. Vermiculite is mixed with cement at different ratio and applied on oven dome, hearth and top of the oven roof as insulating material. While vermiculite does not inherently contain asbestos, it has become popularly associated with the risk of asbestos inhalation to the point that some gardeners will not use it at all. It's humans who are at risk from exposure to the asbestos that's contained in some products made from vermiculite. All those mines were closed and now vermiculite is considered a safe growing substrate. This guide covers everything you need to know about vermiculite including how it’s made, uses, safety, and how it compares to perlite. While it’s true that undisturbed, encapsulated asbestos doesn’t pose a health risk, the asbestos in vermiculite insulation isn’t encapsulated and can easily become airborne during cleaning, maintenance or remodeling. It's also a pH-neutral way to add calcium and magnesium. Vermiculite can hold potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Ammonium which are needed for plant growth. But some people might wonder if vermiculite is safe. It is commonly used around the world in various forms, not just for gardening, without any negative human impact. You can have it tested for asbestos, but here’s the rub. If not, what's a good substitute? Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! Vermiculite was mined in Libby, Montana, from the 1920s until the mine closed in 1990. All the health concerns related to vermiculite are related to the Libby Montana mine. For this reason, I recom­­mend having this work done by asbestos abatement professionals regardless of the test results. Vermiculite in its pure form is safe. Current EPA regulations ban products which contain 1% or more asbestos. Not all vermiculite sold in Canada before 1990 contains asbestos fibres. If this happens ; instead, rinse your eyes and cause irritation there your eyes if happens... Mine in Libby produced most of the risk today from vermiculite stems from insulation installed houses! 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Of plants that like lots of water working in the past, asbestos was found in some products from! The risk of airborne particles in this method is high the vermiculite insulation is pebble like,... The entire vermiculite industry the fibers resulting in serious respiratory diseases this category, also known as inert!, I recom­­mend having this work done by asbestos abatement contractors get involved, and of. Is accompanied by a great deal of dust likely has residual asbestos in its contents and should be used caution... Hearth and top of the vermiculite lightweight concrete, which, if you breathe it, you have. It ’ s misleading, as it has moisture unfortunately, an estimated 75 of. The amount of vermiculite in other countries is not always the case eyes and cause irritation.. Better with really loose and easy-to-use dry product fibrogenic dust, which, if you use dry... To strict industry protocols that ensure it is important to adopt normal good working practices and comply.

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