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Libby Montana "Vermiculite" [EPA site info] VERMICULITE INSULATION
CONTAINING ASBESTOS Some vermiculite insulation may contain asbestos fibres. These products can cause health risks if disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition. However, there is currently no evidence of risk to your health if the insulation is sealed behind wallboards and floorboards, isolated in an attic, or otherwise kept from exposure to the interior environment.
Background Vermiculite is a mica-like mineral mined around the world and used in a variety of
commercial and consumer products because it is fire-resistant and has good insulation qualities. Of concern is vermiculite ore produced by the Libby Mine
in Montana from the 1920's to 1990. It was sold as Zonolite® Attic Insulation and possibly other brands in Canada during that time. Vermiculite from the Libby Mine
may contain asbestos. The Libby Mine supplied the majority of the world marketing vermiculite-based insulation.
Although the overall percentages of asbestos in bulk vermiculite are very low, the airborne percentages can increase if
the material is disturbed. Asbestos poses health risks only when fibres are present in the air that people breathe. If asbestos fibres are enclosed or tightly bound in a product, for example in asbestos siding or asbestos floor tiles, there are no significant health risks. Minimizing Your Risk The best way to minimize your risk of asbestos exposure is to avoid disturbing vermiculite-based insulation in any way. If vermiculite-based insulation is contained and not exposed to the home or interior environment, it poses very little risk.
Excerpts from Health Canada 2004 Publication Copyright 2001-2020 Glenn Nawrocki |
Wes-Har Asbestos Analysis & Consulting Ltd.
Since 1988 Wes-Har has been offering dependable quality consulting and laboratory services for a wide range of clients so they may comply with occupational health requirements relating to asbestos.
Sample Management
Samples received are assigned a unique identification number and batch locator based on the clients Chain of Custody information. An in-house developed data management system (WHDMS) , streamlines data entry and report generation, with the ability to search, sort, extract and report sample information based on numerous criteria directly related to the client's requests.
Analysis
Correlation Programs (Laboratory Id 149340)
Bulk Asbestos Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (BAPAT) sponsored by the American Industrial Hygiene Association
Industrial Hygiene Proficiency Testing Program (IHPAT) sponsored by the American Industrial Hygiene Association
Services
With our close proximity to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) clients from Vancouver Island, the Interior and Northern British Columbian Communities, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Yukon have the option to send packages via air cargo through the various airlines to:
We will pick up the shipment for no additional fee. Contact us for more information.
Providing timely proficient results for asbestos in air fibre-counting and bulk fibre identification is the key to our service. Be it now, tomorrow or next week, with the flexibility to meet your requirements.
Asbestos Hazards in Renovations, Restorations, and Demolition (WorksafeBC Production) |
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