On June 17, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared a public health emergency for the town of Libby, Montana. The EPA has been working with residents of Libby since 1999 when concerns began to arise about asbestos-contaminated vermiculite. A mine near Libby was the source for over 70% of all vermiculite sold in the United States from 1919 to 1990.
It was later discovered that the vermiculite was contaminated by an asbestos deposit also found in that mine. The EPA has now launched a renewed public awareness campaign to notify the public about vermiculite and potentially contaminated insulation. Vermiculite from Libby was used in the majority of vermiculite insulation in the U.S. and was often sold under the brand name of Zonolite.
If a home contains vermiculite insulation, the EPA recommends that you assume the insulation is contaminated with asbestos. They suggest that you leave the insulation undisturbed and that you take proper steps to protect yourself and your clients from exposure. The EPA distributed a helpful fact sheet which has been uploaded to the Legislative Resources page of the NARPM website. The fact sheet contains more background information about vermiculite, how to identify vermiculite insulation, how to reduce exposure to asbestos, and where to look for more information. If you have any questions about asbestos-contaminated vermiculite we suggest you contact EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Assistance Information Service at 1-800-471-7127.
Filed under: Rental Market News | Tagged: asbestos, asbestos-contaminated vermiculite, Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, Libby, Montana, Toxic Substances Control Act, TSCA, vermiculite, vermiculite insulation, Zonolite
There are many sources for possible asbestos exposure, from dangers at the workplace to under your own roof. There is a packet of information available at MesotheliomaHelp.Net that does a good job of explaining the causes and treatments for malignant Mesothelioma. It also includes a medical dictionary, journal and record book to help you keep track of appointments and treatments.