If your home was built before 1985 this is a must read. And if you don’t know what Vermiculite is – here’s what you need to know:
Vermiculite was known as a long lasting and fire-resistant insulation product. Although this sounds like an ideal material to use inside your home, there can be major health risks concerning asbestos in your attic. There was a ban implemented regarding vermiculite and other asbestos-containing materials being used in any building project by the Ministry of Labour. When inhaled, this mineral is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious illnesses such as lung cancer and other lung related disease.
Understanding Vermiculite:
Exposure to vermiculite should not be taken lightly, as it is a carcinogen. Should vermiculite be discovered in your attic, DO NOT ATTEMPT to remove this on your own. Seek out the help of an expert. Vermiculite sampling is required to determine if it is the asbestos-containing kind mined from Libbey, Montana. Some government programs in the 1970s offered incentives to homeowners to top up their insulation with vermiculite during the energy crisis. Tyger can provide contact information for environmental consultants that can assist with collection of a sample and having it analyzed for asbestos by a laboratory.
Should the sampling be positive for asbestos, it should be removed by a professional contractor like Tyger. If you do not plan on disturbing the attic insulation, there is nothing further to do for the time being. However, should any renovations, electrical and/or plumbing work be conducted that might disturb the vermiculite, or if you store any contents in the attic space, that is when it is necessary to remove it. Removing it takes special precautions.
NEXT STEPS:
1. Contact Tyger Group if you would like to remove the vermiculite – Tyger is highly qualified and certified in the removal of asbestos under Ontario Regulation 278/05 Type 1, 2 and 3 operations.
2. You will have to upgrade your attic’s insulation with up-to-date approved material.
3. Tyger can help you understand the dangers and risks by answering any questions you may have regarding your home’s maintenance. Stay informed!
Trust that Tyger Group will restore any issues to maintain a healthy living environment in your home. Not sure where to start? Visit our website at https://tyger.ca/