5 Common Vermiculite and Asbestos Misconceptions

Elyse Aufmann • December 29, 2021

If you discover asbestos or vermiculite, do not touch it. It’s difficult to fight the urge, but disturbing the substance could lead to severe consequences. As you learn more about the subject, look at these common vermiculite and asbestos misconceptions.


Misconceptions About Asbestos

Asbestos is a material commonly used as insulation in buildings built before 1989. Homeowners used the material to keep their homes heated during long winters and to keep the elements outside. However, asbestos can cause mesothelioma and other respiratory ailments. Here’s more on the common misconceptions about asbestos.


Mesothelioma Is Contagious

It’s possible to develop mesothelioma through asbestos-contaminated objects brought home by others who share a home with you. Still, you can’t catch mesothelioma from someone who already has the disease.


Asbestos Needs Removing

As long as you leave asbestos alone and hidden from plain sight behind walls or in attics, it’s not harmful. You only need to worry if you end up inhaling it from your air ventilation system or if someone touches it or brings it out into the open. The best advice to follow is to not touch the material. Then, contact a professional asbestos removal company to tell you what to do next.


A Regular Mask Works Just as Well as an N95

A certified asbestos removal expert is the only person who knows the right type of gear to wear when removing asbestos. Not using the correct face mask does more harm than good. When working near or around asbestos, wearing an N95 mask or another air respirator is required to avoid inhaling any dangerous fibers.


Misconceptions About Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a lightweight material often used in soil and homes. Similarly to asbestos, it traps heat in the house. However, many people believe that vermiculite is dangerous in many ways. Here are the most common misconceptions about vermiculite.


Vermiculite and Asbestos Are the Same

Vermiculite and asbestos aren’t the same. Vermiculite happens to be a preferred choice when not mixed with asbestos. Modern vermiculite is asbestos free and doesn’t contain harmful properties.


Vermiculite Contains Asbestos

After the 1990s, vermiculite no longer contained asbestos. Vermiculite on its own won’t harm your health; no problems will persist as long as children and pets stay away.


There are many more common vermiculite and asbestos misconceptions out there, but these are a few that we wanted to debunk to put your mind at peace. Air Safe, Inc. offers outstanding services, inspections, and materials removals at incredible costs. For more information on asbestos or vermiculite removal, contact us here.

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