Attention renovators: vermiculite contains asbestos

November 17, 2005
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Original story — link verified on November 17, 2005

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral compound composed of shiny flakes, resembling mica. Historically, much of the world's supply of vermiculite came from a mine near Libby, Montana. The Libby mine also had a natural deposit of asbestos, and the vermiculite from Libby is contaminated with asbestos. The majority of all vermiculite insulation produced before 1990 used contaminated vermiculite from Libby. Fibers embedded in lung tissue over time may result in lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. Disease symptoms may take several years to develop following exposure.

Other news for November 2005