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What exactly is Vermiculite?
According to the EPA, Vermiculite is a naturally-occurring mineral composed of shiny flakes, resembling mica. When heated to a high temperature, flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8-30 times their original size. The expanded vermiculite is a light-weight, fire-resistant, and odorless material and has been used in numerous products, including insulation for attics and walls. Sizes of vermiculite products range from very fine particles to large (coarse) pieces nearly an inch long.
A mine near Libby, Montana, was the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the United States from 1919 to 1990. There was also a deposit of asbestos at that mine, so the vermiculite from Libby was contaminated with asbestos. Vermiculite from Libby was used in the majority of vermiculite insulation in the United States and was often sold under the brand name Zonolite. 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.
For further information regarding Vermiculite, read the following information from the EPA:
Protect Your Family from Asbestos-contaminated Vermiculite Insulation
Is Vermiculite found in potting soil? Should I be concerned?
According to the EPA , their investigation into these products indicates that consumers face only a minimal health risk from using vermiculite products at home or in their gardens. However, the EPA does suggest the following:
Reducing Risk When Using Vermiculite
To further reduce the risk associated with the occasional use of vermiculite products during gardening activities, EPA recommends that consumers:
- Use vermiculite outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid creating dust by keeping vermiculite damp during use.
- Avoid bringing dust into the home on clothing.
Although EPA does not endorse the use of any particular product, consumers may choose to use:
- Premixed potting soils, which ordinarily contain more moisture and less vermiculite than pure vermiculite products and are less likely to generate dust.
- Soil amendment materials other than vermiculite, such as peat, sawdust, perlite, or bark.