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What should I do if I have
vermiculite attic insulation?
DO NOT DISTURB IT. Any disturbance has the
potential to release asbestos fibers into the air.
Limiting the number of trips you make to your attic
and shortening the length of those trips can help
limit your potential exposure.
EPA and ATSDR strongly recommend that:
• Vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed
in your attic. Due to the uncertainties with
existing testing techniques, it is best to
assume that the material may contain
asbestos.
• You should not store boxes or other items
in your attic if retrieving the material will
disturb the insulation.
• Children should not be allowed to play in
an attic with open areas of vermiculite
insulation.
• If you plan to remodel or conduct
renovations that would disturb the
vermiculite, hire professionals trained and
certified to handle asbestos to safely
remove the material.
• You should never attempt to remove the
insulation yourself. Hire professionals
trained and certified to safely remove the
material.
What if I occasionally have to go into
my attic?
EPA and ATSDR strongly recommend that
homeowners make every effort not to disturb
vermiculite insulation in their attics. If you
occasionally have to go into your attic, current best
practices state you should:
1. Make every effort to stay on the floored part
of your attic and to not disturb the
insulation.
2. If you must perform activities that may
disturb the attic insulation such as moving
boxes (or other materials), do so as gently
as possible to minimize the disturbance.
3. Leave the attic immediately after the
disturbance.
4. If you need work done in your attic such as
the installation of cable or utility lines, hire
trained and certified professionals who can
safely do the work.
5. It is possible that vermiculite attic insulation
can sift through cracks in the ceiling,
around light fixtures, or around ceiling fans.
You can prevent this by sealing the cracks
and holes that insulation could pass
through.
6. Common dust masks are not effective
against asbestos fibers. For information on
the requirements for wearing a respirator
mask, visit the following OSHA website:
http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/
respiratoryprotection/index.html
What are the next steps?
The guidance provided in this brochure reflects the
current testing technology and knowledge of
precautions one may take regarding vermiculite
attic insulation. EPA is initiating further studies on
vermiculite attic insulation and pursuing other
asbestos related issues. Additional information will
be provided to the public via the EPA and ATSDR
websites and through additional outreach materials
as it becomes available.