Perhaps you have been hearing on the news about vermiculite insulation but are not sure what it is or how to protect your family from it. Vermiculite is a mineral that is naturally-occurring and has an abundance of shiny flakes. When this material heats, it expands to as much as 30 times the original size and is fire-resistant and extremely lightweight.

It was discovered in a mine close to Libby, Montana and was sold in the United States. It was initially thought to be a very good way to insulate homes and businesses. Unfortunately, the mine that produced much of this insulation contained asbestos, so the insulation that came from the mine was contaminated with the asbestos as well.

My Home Has the Vermiculite Insulation – is My Family at Risk?

It has been thoroughly documented that asbestos exposure can lead to a number of very serious health concerns, including mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells lining the lungs, chest cavity, abdominal cavity or heart cavity. These cells also cover the outer surface of most internal organs forming a tissue called mesothelium that helps protect the organs. Although tumors of the mesothelium can be benign, most are cancerous or malignant. Virtually all cases of malignant mesothelioma in the United States and Canada are attributable to asbestos exposure. Furthermore, this form of cancer can occur 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure. Therefore it is important to recognize the symptoms, which include anemia, back pain, chest pain, coughing, enlarged abdomen, fever, hoarseness, build up of fluid in the lungs, shortness of breath, or weight loss.

Just because insulation is present in your home, however, does not mean that you are at risk, even if it tests positive for asbestos. Asbestos, if not disturbed, can potentially be non-threatening. The problem is when you attempt to remodel or remodel construction on a home containing asbestos-ridden insulation or materials.

Asbestos becomes toxic when it is disturbed and fibers are released into the air. For example, if you find out that your home has vermiculite insulation and is contaminated with asbestos and pull out the insulation without a professionals help, you may be exposed to harmful asbestos. This poses more of a risk than if you had just left the insulation undisturbed.

If you find that your home does have asbestos containing insulation, leave it alone. Consult a professional for removal options.

If I Go into My Attic am I at Risk?

If you must move some things about in your attic or place items in a space having asbestos-containing vermiculite insulation, the best thing to do is call an asbestos specialist to preform tests. If asbestos is present he or she can help you discuss removal options or how to be safe in that area. In some cases, if the asbestos is contained then removal is not necessary and you should just be cautious about wearing masks or protective clothing if you need to go into your attic area to retrieve something. However, a professional should be consulted to ensure that there is no immediate risk to you or your family of being exposed to dangerous asbestos.

Author Bio: Asbestos exposure often leads to amesothelioma lawsuit. If you have been exposed to asbestos, please contact an asbestos lawyer as soon as possible.

Category: Family Concerns
Keywords: asbestos lawsuits, asbestos exposure, mesothelioma