Vermiculite Insulation

Insulation is one of the more common sources of asbestos exposure in older homes and buildings. One such product contaminated with asbestos is vermiculite insulation, which was widely utilized by the W. R. Grace Company. In fact, over 70% of the world’s vermiculite ore was mined in the Libby, Montana mines, which were owned by W. R. Grace Co. Some of the products produced with this material saw continued manufacturing into the 1990s. This form of insulation is especially prevalent in attics, where the lightweight, fireproof blown-in product provided effective thermal regulation, especially in colder climates.

Pipe Insulation

In addition to asbestos insulation appearing in attics and walls, the material also found use covering hot water and steam pipes in older homes. This source of asbestos use saw pipes coated with an asbestos material, covered with an asbestos blanket or wound with asbestos tape. This pipe insulation helped conserve heating and cooling system energy in homes, public buildings and any other facilities. The use of asbestos pipe insulation is particularly dangerous when part of a duct system which supplies air throughout a building.

Spray Insulation

This form of insulation was a common option on irregular and flat surfaces. This material was popular due to its ability to fill difficult spaces within a building which do not allow easy access for the installation of more standard insulation forms. Furthermore, this form of insulation was relatively simple to install and inexpensive, providing a lightweight and noise-dampening option in a variety of difficult-to-reach spaces.

Exposure Risks

As these sources of home insulation gradually deteriorate, are disturbed, or are removed, the lightweight particles can become dislodged, suspending in the air where individuals can inhale or ingest them. This is because the material is friable, which means it has the tendency to crumble and become reduced to a dangerous powder. Because it remains difficult for the average homeowner to identify these asbestos materials, those suspecting the presence of asbestos in their homes are cautioned to avoid contact with the materials. In no case should unlicensed, non-professionals attempt to peel, scrape or remove suspected asbestos sources by any other means. In general, asbestos is relatively harmless if it remains undisturbed and its fibers are not stirred into the air.

Those at the highest risk for asbestos exposure are individuals that were employed, or remain employed, in fields involving frequent contact with the material. This includes construction professionals who often used the material, or former vermiculite-processing plant employees. The development of asbestos-related diseases is generally linked with higher intensity exposure for longer periods of time.  However, asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, can develop after any amount and length of exposure.