Vermiculite Health Risks, How To Deal With Hazardous Building Materials Efficiency Vermont

Breathing in very small airborne asbestos fibres has been associated with diseases such as asbestosis mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Jacoby jones ravens jersey. While undisturbed vermiculite may not cause a health risk it is really a matter of when not if the vermiculite will get disturbed. Asbestosis may result in severe inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. What are the health risks of vermiculite containing asbestos.

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. Asbestosis can also result from exposure to asbestos containing vermiculite and results in severe inflammation and scarring of lung tissue leading to respiratory distress. Niosh recommends that employers use hierarchy of controls to prevent injuries.

Despite the many uses and benefits of vermiculite exposure to the mineral does carry some potential health risks due to its association with asbestos. With this in mind its vital that you take the time to perform an asbestos analysis to ensure the vermiculite on your work site is not contaminated with the hazardous substance. Vermiculite ore bodies currently in use by the major producers do not pose a health risk when used in accordance with the manufacturers msds.

The largest and oldest vermiculite mine in the united states was started in the 1920s at libby montana and the. This little known plugin reveals the answer. While it would be nice to assume that all vermiculite was designed with the health and safety of consumers in mind thats not always the case.

The danger of vermiculite it might look harmless but some vermiculite has a nasty personality. Asbestos can cause health problems when inhaled into the lungs. Vermiculite products may however present more serious risks in a work setting where the frequency and duration of exposures are likely to be significantly greater.

Controversy over health risks. The level of exposure depends upon the dose duration and work being done. If you work in an industry that uses vermiculite please read chemical labels and the accompanying safety data sheets for hazard information.

Roof leaks installing recessed can lights moving walls renovations and attic air sealing see below are common reasons why vermiculite gets disturbed. Impure vermiculite may contain apart from asbestos also minor diopside or remnants of the precursor minerals biotite or phlogopite.