Controlling the Hazard and Liability of Asbestos
in Vermiculite Insulation (PEN 16 continued)

Removal Techniques and Precautions

Although the percentage of asbestos in the vermiculite may be below the limit normally treated as asbestos, the elevated levels detected upon disturbance indicate that asbestos precautions will be necessary to protect the workers performing removal and to prevent contamination of the rest of the building or home. These precautions include:

• Isolation of the area of removal.
• Use of reduced pressure in the work area to prevent air movement from the site.
• Workers will require protective clothing and asbestos respirators - Powered Air Purifying respirators and a shower for decontamination purposes may be needed.
• Careful cleaning, sealant on all surfaces and clearance air testing will be necessary to document completion.

Actions Required

Many parties are potentially affected by the asbestos hazard in vermiculite building insulation. We believe the following actions are the minimum necessary to reduce the hazard and liability posed by this material:

• Building occupants or owners with vermiculite insulation need to follow current US EPA recommendations for managing vermiculite in place. In most cases it should be carefully removed prior to renovations or demolition.
  
  
• Building/Home inspectors should carefully note the type of attic or wall insulation and provide appropriate warning to purchasers.
  
  
• Building purchasers should note the presence of vermiculite and include this consideration in buying the property.
  
  
• Environmental consultants should incorporate a comment on the presence of apparent vermiculite in all Phase 1 Environmental Property Assessments.
  
  
• Laboratories should be very cautious performing vermiculite analysis or certification of "asbestos - free" vermiculite.
  
  
• Contractors, construction or demolition workers or persons working in attics or demolishing block walls should note the presence of vermiculite and follow applicable asbestos precautions. In some cases this will require type 3 precautions.
  
  
• Government inspectors, health departments and regulators should note the hazard caused to construction trades and issue appropriate warnings or orders.

Airborne Asbestos Table

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