Munn & Steele Vermiculite Insulation FAQs. Alternatively, the inside chimney method is suitable for Vermiculite insulation. This product is a premium-quality, coarse-grained vermiculite that we recommend highly as roof insulation when foam or earth. Asbestos My attic has vermiculite insulation in it. Vermiculite clays are weathered micas in which the potassium ions between the molecular sheets are. maintenance, disturb the vermiculate during an inspection, or demolish older buildings are at risk of inhaling asbestos fibres from airborne asbestos contaminated vermiculite, especially if the house was built before 1990. There will more than likely be asbestos in the attics, drywall. The Environmental Protection Agency also includes information on its webpage about how to protect your family from asbestos-contaminated vermiculite insulation. Vermiculite from the Libby mine in Montana, USA is known to contain high levels of amphibolic asbestos. Have owned home just over 20 years. Vermiculite insulation has a pebble-like appearance. 3. Only a trained technician using a microscope can see asbestos fibers. Non-irritant and non-toxic, Micafil Vermiculite is a naturally occurring layered mineral, thermally expanded to produce highly aerated. I would leave that research to Dr. 54. Mr. • Lightweight Concrete. 5m2. , Glass wool, batts, blankets,. Guide to using Micafil Vermiculite for Loft Insulation - Dupre Minerals. Vermiculite loose-fill insulation is one of the most common household materials that contain asbestos. You can remove it yourself. 88. The price can range from £800 to over £2,500. Asbestos encapsulation costs between $2 and $6 per. The short answer is that all research we've made to date indicates that Johns Manville Spintex® batt insulation was a rock wool or "mineral wool" foil faced insulating batt product. We also do not recommend opening walls, ceilings, or floors to look for vermiculite insulation. C $78. diseases. What Is Vermiculite Asbestos Insulation? Vermiculite is a naturally-occurring mineral silver-gold to gray-brown in color and shiny in its natural state. Exfoliated Vermiculite is used in the friction brake linings market, high-temperature insulation, loft insulation, various construction products, animal feeds, horticulture and many other industrial applications. That’s why it’s so much better to have an attic with no insulation at all. asbestos and take precautions. I have read that it is one of the brands that are ok. According to the Health Canada advisory “Vermiculite Insulation Containing Amphibole Asbestos”, the best way to minimize your risk of asbestos exposure is to avoid disturbing vermiculite insulation. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually light-brown or gold in color. Not all vermiculite products contain asbestos. Modern vermiculite insulation will not contain asbestos, and is considered a safe product for use around buildings. Therefore the Micafil loft insulation is considerably more expensive! products. Item Code: 487280161. A heat insulation material of apparent density 0. . All without filing a lawsuit. If vermiculite insulation is confined and not exposed to the actively used spaces of the building, it poses very little risk. Sample collection of vermiculite should be done by a professional. Check the underside of your roof for a white or gray rough coating. Vermiculite Insulation Identification Photographs. Asbestos litigation forced it to file for bankruptcy in 2001. Multi-purpose. What is vermiculite? Vermiculite is a mineral that expands when rapidly heated. You might see it between joists in the attic and other areas. 62. This fill consists of thick flakes, making it ideal for containers of liquids where spillage and leaks. Hello! I found on the attic of my 1956 house a few bags from old insulation Micafil vermiculite. MICAFIL, founded in 1918 and based in Zurich, Switzerland, established itself as technology leader in bushings through its manufacture of traditional types such as OIP (Oil Impregnated Paper) and RBP (Resin Bonded Paper) and insulation components. Airborne asbestos Last published: May 11,. If asbestos-containing materials need to be removed, Call Clean Cut Abatement Now at (800)975-1697. Grace & Co. )Insulation with vermiculite looks like small gray-brown or silver-gold pebbles. I'm AHERA certified as a building inspector, NIOSH 582 qualified and have lead many asbestos abatement and identification projects. Airborne asbestos fibers present a health risk through inhalation, so the first step is to not disturb the material, which could release fibers into the air. However, that is not to say it cannot contain. Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives. Perlite & Leca. The first vermiculite mining effort on record was in Colorado in 1915, but it didn’t stay open for long. Vermiculite produced by the Libby, Montana, asbestos mine can contain asbestos. were deferred due to the presence of vermiculite insulation. Loose fill is made up of pure asbestos and if disturbed can release large amounts of fibres into the air, where they can be breathed in. Description. Examples of products that might contain asbestos are: • fireproofing and insulation in buildings • insulation for pipes and boilers • roofing shingles and tarsResidential asbestos insulation is likely to be unsafe. Exfoliated vermiculite is used in the friction brake linings market, high temperature insulation, loft insulation, various construction products, animal feeds, horticulture and many other industrial applications. There were veins of asbestos in the mined ore that ended up in the final product, and it is estimated that between 3 million and 30 million. Risks of asbestos4trade foil tape 50mm x 45m. The majority of homeowners need to be educated on the general danger of breathing and disturbing asbestos fiber. When these tiny fibers become airborne, they can be inhaled into the lungs, where they might eventually cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and even the deadly asbestos cancer mesothelioma. Lightweight packaging. It fixes the chimney liner at the top of the stack using plates and clamps. Vermiculite Insulation. Vermiculite and asbestos. F. W. There is limited evidence that asbestos exposure. 6 out of 5. Prior to its. R. When heated to a high temperature, flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8-30 times their original size. Also, it is a common material that is known to contain asbestos. 19 Ex VAT £25. The estimate was $6,400 for the abatement work and an additional $800 for monitoring-supervising services. It is vermiculite insulation. , 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. When it comes to asbestos, it rarely needs introduced at this point. The method developed can be used to determine vermiculite insulation's source and estimate its potential. The Libby mine was closed down in 1990, meaning any homes that were built and/or remodeled prior to their closing date could have attic insulation containing asbestos. This attic insulation was typically gray-brown or silver-gold in color. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Alternatively, the inside chimney method is suitable for Vermiculite insulation. before 1990 contains amphibole asbestos fibres. , Vermiculite Newark, NJ Mico Mineral. As long as your attic is properly air sealed insulating over the top of the existing vermiculite insulation is perfectly fine. Vermiculite has a high cation-exchange capacity (CEC) at 100–150 meq /100 g. How it works: Vermiculite absorbs water and is fire resistant, giving it myriad uses, from fluffing up garden soil to soundproofing floors. Lots of non-contaminated Vermiculite exists and is used as much in. EXFOLIATED VERMICULITE consists of accordion-like granules containing microscopic air layers, to which vermiculite owes its light weight and excellent insulation properties. It is very flexible and is often used in attics and walls or wrapped around pipes. English Deutsch Français Español Português Italiano Român Nederlands Latina Dansk Svenska Norsk Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Türkçe Suomi Latvian Lithuanian česk. People a…Buy Micafil Vermiculite Large Grade 100ltr at trade exclusive prices. Pre-Owned. Asbestos has never been detected in Micafil vermiculite. Graduated from University of Central Florida (Ph. There are two options for collecting a sample: 1. 54 at a total cost of $8,424. The 37BVMB is a masonry block fill vermiculite that has a granular material which provides loose fill masonry insulation. ), Nova Southeastern University (M. Vermiculite was first identified in 1881 in a mine near Libby,. Also like the tip to use it as insulation for plants in winter, might try that too. Asbestos in the air can be inhaled and cause lung damage. ”Loose Fill Insulation Could Contain Asbestos If: Your home was constructed prior to 1990. Testing of vermiculite insulation for the presence of asbestos fibers can be performed by specialty laboratories, however testing can be very expensive and may give false results depending on the methods used. Vermiculite is resistant to rot and low cost, non-toxic and fireproof. If vermiculite is determined to beThis type of insulation is usually grayish-brown and looks somewhat like little pebbles. Most of the nation’s vermiculite up until 1990 came from the vermiculite mine in Libby,. 2 mm 0 – 20 Melting Point (°C) ~1330 % SiO 2 38. When it comes to cutting gaskets there are several ways to get the job done. Eventually, the asbestos sunk close to the bottom of the insulation layer and concentrated along the floor. from exposure to asbestos. If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos. Buy the excellent Micafil Chimney Insulation at Nationwide Chimney Components, designed to be used to insulate the cold air void between a flue liner and chimney stack. The EPA defines an asbestos-containing material (ACM) as having greater than 1 percent asbestos. Since spray-on asbestos. The particles of insulation have a particular color. When the temperature reaches 900 degrees Celsius, the flakes expand. Where does the asbestos come from and why is it a health concern? Vermiculite ores often contain a range of other minerals including, in some cases, asbestos. Vermiculite ores may contain a variety of other minerals including asbestos, which, if present in significant quantities, could pose a health risk to producers and end users. If you disturb the insulation, you may inhale some asbestos fibers. But, below are some signs that the insulation may contain asbestos according to the type of insulation: 1. Vermiculite is a safe, inert naturally occurring mineral which is suitable for a wide range of applications where fire performance and thermal insulation is required. Asbestos parts included the 6 1/2 foot nose cone, electrical and thermal insulation, conduits, etc. Micafil vermiculite lightweight insulation granules are an ideal thermal insulating material that can withstand temperatures in excess of 1000?c. To protect workers from asbestos-contaminated vermiculite, any vermiculite from the Libby mine should be considered potentially contaminated. Vermiculite itself has not been shown to pose health problems. Like other asbestos in the amphibole family, tremolite has sharp fibers that can easily be inhaled or ingested. Vermiculite insulation between attic joists . It can also be used for a number of other things such as insulation in lofts or between floors base for gas coal fires and garden bedding and potting. Fluff: The fluffiness of loose-fill insulation can show if there is asbestos. Wet-Spray Cellulose - Used as the blown-in method, a fine mist of water is added to the hose that allows for better heat retention and better noise reduction. Call Us: (630) 629-6600. Vermiculite Removal. Composition – This type of asbestos insulation looks like pebbles with a grayish-brown, or silvery gold coloring. Vermiculite. You can have it tested for asbestos, but here’s the rub. £ 25. For more information, please refer to the following documents. It is made from mineral material. The vermiculite is clearly visible. Why should I be concerned about asbestos-contaminated vermiculite insulation? A mine near Libby, Montana was the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the U. Vermiculite insulation product from the Libby mine in Montana is known to contain high levels of amphibolic asbestos. Vermiculite is a silver-gold to grey-brown mineral. It is not. Vermiculite’s inner laminar layers allow it to expand up to 50% in volume which allows it to be highly aerated. Guide to using Micafil Vermiculite for Loft Insulation - Dupre Minerals EN English Deutsch Français Español Português Italiano Român Nederlands Latina Dansk Svenska Norsk Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Türkçe Suomi Latvian Lithuanian český русский български العربية Unknown Asbestos vermiculite is a type of insulation made from asbestos fibers that are mixed with a water-miscible binder. The recent innovation should provide a time-saving technique for commercial and home inspectors. You may hire a Certified Asbestos Professional (or licensed or certified Home Inspector ) to collect the sample for you. It is very flexible and is often used in attics and walls or wrapped around pipes. Vermiculite - Micafil 100L pack. 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. 5 – 3 mm 100 Kg/m 3The cost to remove insulation with asbestos in it can cost anywhere from $800 to $15,000. How can I tell if my vermiculite insulation contains asbestos? You should assume that vermiculite insulation is from Libby and treat the material as if it contained asbestos by not disturbing it or by using a trained professional if it needs to be removed. Vermiculite Insulation. Livonia, Michigan. Look in your attic for loose-fill asbestos. 2. This Dupre Vermiculite loose-fill insulation is a highly absorbent protector suitable for packaging, chimney lining, loft insulation and high-temperature insulation. It is not always necessary to remove the asbestos from the workplace or home. Average artex asbestos removal cost (20m 2): £3,000. Asbestos is most dangerous when inhaled or when it comes into contact with the skin. S. Different sizes of vermiculite particles . Price and other details may vary based on product size and colour. Vermiculite from Libby was. OTS has long been concerned about human exposure to asbestos. , Mineral wool Chicago, IL Mineral Wood Armstrong Cork Company, Slab insulation made from Board Lancaster, PA rock wood with asphalt binder Mitchell & Smith Mitchell & Smith Co. For the record, we at Structure Tech do not test for asbestos. Micafil Vermiculite Loose Fill Insulation (100ltr) Micafil Vermiculite Loose Fill Insulation (100ltr) is one of the simplest and most reliable solutions for fireproof chimney backfill and thermal insulation in cramped, awkward areas. #1. Vermiculite insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually gray-brown or silver-gold in color. We use cookies to make your experience better. The cost to abatement vermiculite insulation is expensive. D. even more if vermiculite had fallen into wall spaces (e. e. It comes in small pellets, such as those used for wood stoves. However Health Canada has found some brands of vermiculite insulation may contain tremolite asbestos and could present a health hazard. Name – Vermiculite is sold as Zonolite. Asbestos ore is made up of long, thin fibers that can only be seen through a microscope. As well as being rich in vermiculite. Textile Coatings. and other countries including the USA, where use of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite insulation was widespread until the. S. See the information on Sampling and Testing for more information. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral used in insulation (brand name, “Zonolite”), construction, and gardening products. Thermal Conductivity: k-value = 0. It will look like a rough layer of either white or gray paint. Vermiculite insulation often contains asbestos. Scientists with the United States Geology Survey (USGS) have created a hand-held spectrometer to determine if vermiculite insulation contains deadly amphibole asbestos. mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining of the lung, chest and the abdomen and heart. This means that most of the vermiculite found today is also. Airborne asbestos Last published: May 11,. However, it is very simple to analyse vermiculite for asbestos contamination. Certificates in Health Literacy from the CDC. Currently, inspectors must send samples to off-site laboratories before making. That’s good news, because most Zonolite, a type of vermiculite insulation, falls into that category. Made from aluminium-iron-magnesium silicates, it is a natural mineral used for void filling. Written by Tara Strand on May 4, 2018. Loose-fill asbestos insulation is somewhat granular and fluffy in nature and it contains a very high percentage of asbestos. The concerns about the dangers with vermiculite insulation in the UK stem from the fact that until the 1990s, most vermiculite originated from a mine in America which also contained asbestos deposits. Is my family at risk of exposure to asbestos if we have vermiculite insulation? Asbestos causes cancer and other diseases. Some applications included ceiling tiles, soffit undersides, fireproofing in doors, and partition walls. Thanks for submitting! Vermiculite Insulation Removal - Remediation Services Company in Winnipeg, MB. 01. The Libby mine also had natural asbestos deposits. Become a trained and accredited asbestos professional. Avoid unnecessary removal of harmless vermiculite insulation: if your vermiculite insulation does not contain asbestos it does not need to be removed. English Deutsch Français Español Português Italiano Român Nederlands Latina Dansk Svenska Norsk Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Türkçe Suomi Latvian Lithuanian česk. 6 hours ago · Vermiculite Insulation. The Process: 1. size relative to paper clip . This property also allows for high water. Over time, accumulated asbestos fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems. Used as kids bedrooms ever since. A well-insulated attic is a perfect storage place, but it must be safe. VAT) Excellent loose-fill thermal insulation material. AVD Fire. Am I at risk? Should I take it out? If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this. Was purchased from the seller who was and still is a realestate agent. 3 Vermiculite insulation is made of small pebble-sized pieces. Asbestos is a definite health hazard because the very tiny indestructible fibres float into your lungs and stay there, eventually causing cancer type growths. Asbestosis is an inflammation leading. Health related effects of high exposure are slow to develop these usually take at least 10 - 20 years. As a result, vermiculite insulation can cause health risks due to contamination with asbestos fibers. Addison-Lynch, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Vermiculite insulation removal costs $4 to $10 per square foot. , vermiculite insulation, vermiculite block fill) must be treated as asbestos-containing material, regardless of its asbestos content. Bulk sampling is reliable only when over 1% of the material is asbestos. It’s dangerous to perform any attic air sealing work until all of the vermiculite has been removed by a certified asbestos abatement contractor, at a cost ranging from $7,000 to $12,000. The goal of this study was to determine if in situ near-infrared reflectance measurements, using portable spectrometers, could be used to reliably identify the source of vermiculite ore and therefore its potential to contain asbestos. Asbestos is only a health problem when its fibers become airborne, as can happen, for example, if an asbestos-containing popcorn ceiling begins to disintegrate. 5. Vermiculite is a popular insulation material, but much of the vermiculite used in the U. If. 5–6. £40. Loose-fill asbestos insulation was popular for many decades, and houses that were insulated in the nineties. Answered in 12 minutes by:05-08-2010, 08:09 AM. Because it is lightweight, odorless, and fire-resistant, it has been used in many different products. Micalite Boards is checked by an independent laboratory for the presence of Asbestos. The EPA defines an asbestos-containing material (ACM) as having greater than 1 percent asbestos. Disturbing vermiculite with less. Get Started. Vermiculite is an insulating and fire-resistant mineral found in many homes built between 1930 and 1990. October 4, 2023. nearly an inch long. Vermiculite is a naturally-occurring mineral composed of shiny flakes, resembling mica. Never disturb the insulation when preforming the inspection and make sure to inform the client that it will limit the attic inspection. Asbestos types are recognized in six forms of asbestos, including chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. Specifically designed for lithium-ion battery fires, AVDfire delivers superior performance to extinguish flames and minimise damage. Found vermiculite (asbestos) under attic floor boards on top of plaster ceilings while investigating before doing renovations. Vermiculite-based insulation may contain asbestos. Zonolite is a trademarked brand name of a vermiculite attic insulation that was sold between the 1940s and 1990s. On 2019-05-31 by (mod) - Thanks for the interesting comment. It is made from mineral material. If you choose to remove the vermiculite. Once popular for heat resistance and corrosion, asbestos is most often found in older homes. He states that is deception and claims we knew about it. It is made from mineral material. Prior to its. For several years, it was used as insulation in residential and industrial applications. . Look in your attic for loose-fill asbestos. It is a pebble-like, pour-in product that is usually light brown or gold in color, ranging in size from very fine particles to course pieces around an inch long. Asbestos: Managing your asbestos hazards (PDF) is an informative booklet that assists. VA insulation Micafil Munn and Steele, Inc. Asbestos causes cancer and other diseases. According to the EPA, you should assume that vermiculite insulation contains asbestos. Give us enough sample to work with. This loose-fill insulation makes vermiculite dangerous because the fibers can easily get through small cracks and into the home, making it difficult and time-consuming to remove effectively. Most plants are in pots for now, I repotted everything with 40-50% vermiculite/50-60% compost and everything is doing much better. Known as Micafil, expanded vermiculite is a 100% natural material that can be used for void fill. read moreMicafil Vermiculite Model: Vermiculite Vermiculite is most commonly used for insulation and protection for solid flue liner pipe protection. The amount of asbestos in asbestos containing materials (ACM) varies from greater than 1% to 100%. Can I take vermiculite insulation out myself? Federal asbestos regulations do not apply to work that you perform in your own home, but the EPA strongly recommends that you not attempt to remove vermiculite insulation yourself. Micalite Boards is checked by an independent laboratory for the presence of Asbestos. Vermiculite insulation between attic joists . The pictures in the center of this pamphlet and on the cover show several samples of vermiculite attic insulation. Airborne asbestos fibers present a health risk through inhalation, so the first step is to not disturb the material, which could release fibers into the air. Micafil AG. Although not all vermiculites are contaminated by asbestos, there is a big possibility of real danger if it is sourced from the mine in Libby, Montana. Munn & Steele Vermiculite Insulation FAQs. EPA Factsheet about naturally-occurring asbestos in vermiculite insulation from. There is an accordion-style texture to the particles. The price of a roll of Earthwool is £18 per roll (at B&Q) and will cover about 8. Vermiculite is lightweight, non-toxic and sterile and does not deteriorate over time. Chrysotile,Asbestos improper removal or disposal can be dangerous. Very happy with the product. Suppose you are hired by a homeowner to install recessed lighting in a house, and discover that the attic has this type of insulation. If you must remove any asbestos-containing vermiculite from your home, you should hire a licensed asbestos contractor. Back-fill insulation. Zonolite is contaminated with tremolite, a highly toxic type of asbestos. What are the Insulation Properties of Micafil. The problem is the asbestos, not vermiculite. This is a natural occuring mineral expanded at high temperatures to produce expanded particles 90% air. Vermiculite Insulation Removal Costs. It also enables you to keep the interior cool. If you disturb the insulation, you may inhale some asbestos fibers. 1995. Vermiculite is a natural mineral that is odorless, fire-resistant, and lightweight which makes it ideal for use in building materials. ASBESTOS IN YOUR HOME - U. Note: This method isn’t suitable if you’re adding Vermiculite insulation. When heated to a high temperature, flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8-30 times their original size. Vermiculite Micafil is as an excellent thermal insulating material capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 1000C. Identifying Asbestos Insulation. Inhalation of asbestos can cause lung problems. Removing vermiculate insulation can be expensive. However, a lawsuit in 2008 dictated. Typical vermiculite insulation . The mine operated from the 1920s up to the 1990s and was. Asbestos insulating boards are not as dangerous as some other asbestos insulation products but still pose a real threat to safety. £21. When heated, it can expand to a much larger size than its natural form. These pages are to assist homeowners with issues such as where asbestos may be located in their homes, finding a licensed asbestos contractor to safely remove asbestos and the health effects of asbestos. Share this conversation. Several years later, after it was installed in thousands of attics, it was found to contain. The degree of health risk depends on how much and how often this occurred. When heated to around 1000 degrees C, it pops (or puffs up), creating pockets of air. It also enables you to keep the interior cool in warmer weather. Vermiculite Insulation: DIY Safe Asbestos Removal. Vermiculite insulation particle Typical vermiculite insulation . Vermiculite is a mineral used in many commercial and consumer products including insulation. • Refractories. It is vermiculite insulation. In general, vermiculite insulation is only dangerous when it is exposed. Micafil Loft Insulation 100L. EXFOLIATED VERMICULITE consists of accordion-like granules containing microscopic air layers, to which vermiculite owes its light weight and excellent insulation properties. Asbestos in vermiculite insulation looks like rocky gravel. If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos. S. Micafil is typically used for chimney flue linings. 2009). 6 (95% CI 1. It can also be seen on ceilings, where it looks like a thick coating of cement. It’s generally silver-gold or brownish-grey and looks like a. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually light-brown or gold in color. Is there any way besides getting a lab test done, to know if it contains asbestos? The bags are old and I took a picture of them before burning them. All products can be used to improve. See moreAsbestos My attic has vermiculite insulation in it. products. occurrences of asbestos in vermiculite deposits such as those in Montana that were closed some years ago • Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that have been exploited for their useful properties such as thermal insulation, chemical and thermal stability, and high tensile strength. It is a limited-expansion clay with a medium shrink–swell capacity. Avoid disturbing materials that might contain asbestos, including pipe and furnace insulation, siding, flooring, and popcorn ceilings installed from the 1950s to the 1970s; vermiculite attic insulation; Talk to their local or. It can also be used for a number of other things such as insulation in lofts or between floors base for gas coal fires and garden bedding and potting. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Its colors can range from white to silver, green, brown, gold, and blue. There was also a deposit of asbestos at that mine, so the vermiculite fromMicafil Vermiculite Model: Vermiculite Vermiculite is most commonly used for insulation and protection for solid flue liner pipe protection. Vermiculite is a silver-gold to grey-brown mineral. Under the settlement, Grace has funded the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust Fund from which eligible Claimants can be reimbursed for legitimate claims up to 55% of removal and reinsulation cost with a cap of $5,500. The majority of all vermiculite insulation pro-duced before 1990 used contaminated vermicu-lite from Libby. One of the major past sources of this vermiculite was commercially produced vermiculite insulation from Libby, Montana, containing trace levels of asbestiform amphibole, which is known to cause asbestos-related diseases. The work site should be visually free of dust and debris. Call to find out more about insulation installed 602-499-2922. Asbestos was an obvious component to add to spray on insulation since it is fireproof and an excellent thermal insulator. Layer structure and composition have much in common with mica group minerals (Fig. The insulation was manufactured by heating vermiculite ore to between 800º and 1100º C, which causes an accordion-like unfolding and expansion into the lightweight granules that were used for insulation. If your insulation feels firm and lays flat, you might have asbestos and should have your insulation replaced as soon as possible.