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Why is vermiculite insulation considered dangerous?

Last Updated: October 27, 2009

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Some homes that have been insulated with vermiculite insulation (in the late 1970s and early 1980s) may contain asbestos. Asbestos fibers are known to cause lung cancer. If vermiculite is found in an attic, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that the insulation should not be disturbed. The only way to determine if asbestos is present in the vermiculite insulation is to have it tested by an individual certified to sample for asbestos.

Get more information from the U.S. EPA Asbestos-Contaminated Vermiculite

Browse related Faqs by tag: safety, home energy, cancer, insulation, attic, attic insulation, indoorairquality, lung cancer, vermiculite


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