If you suspect you have vermiculite insulation in your home, DO NOT DISTURB IT other than to take a sample for testing or to have it removed. Any disturbance may release asbestos fibers into the air. The EPA and ATSDR strongly recommend:
- Vermiculite insulation should be left undisturbed in your attic. It is best to assume that the material may contain asbestos.
- Do not store boxes or other items that when retrieved, would disturb the insulation.
- Children should not be allowed to play in an attic that has vermiculite insulation.
- If you plan to remodel or renovate, hire professionals trained and certified to handle asbestos to safely remove the materials.
- Never attempt to remove the insulation yourself.
- The EPA does not recommend opening walls to check for vermiculite.
Source: EPA's Current Best Practices for Vermiculite Attic Insulation, May 2003
DISTURBANCE ACTIVITIES
Any activity that disturbs Zonolite Attic Insulation can result in asbestos fibers becoming airborne. Remodeling and renovation activities are the most common of these activities. The careful collection of vermiculite samples should not create a significant disturbance.
The EPA and the ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) recommend using a trained and certified professional to conduct asbestos work. Removing the insulation improperly by yourself could potentially spread asbestos fibers throughout your home, putting you and your family at risk of inhaling these fibers. Once you have chosen an asbestos professional in your area, your state environmental agency can confirm that the company's credentials are current. You can find your state agency at:
https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/state-asbestos-contacts