Vermiculite - risk and testing advice.

elsmandino

Hello.

I have a 1930s bungalow (purchased in 2005) with a great big loft that we make extensive use of.

A couple of years ago, I decided to get rid of all the loose insulation material that was filling the space between the rafters and replace it with regular rolled insulation. I used a face mask and bagged as much of it, as I could, with dustpan and brush.

I was pretty horrified to recently read that vermiculite could contain asbestos.

I say could as, from my frantic research online, it seems that the contaminated vermiculite came from a single US mine.

From what I have read, most UK-imported vermiculite was not imported from the US and, even if it were, you would then have to be unluckily enough to get a batch form the offending mine.

Even so, I am extremely alarmed and am looking to get some of it tested (there is still some in the loft).

Can anyone recommend any reputable testers please?

Furthermore, it would be good to know whether there have been any UK samples that have come back with a positive result.

Rusty_Shackleton

I used https://www.asbestos-sampling.com/ to test my garage roof last year - I can't remember what the lab accreditation is, but if you google it you'll be able to check if your chosen supplier is properly accredited.

I bought one of their kits to take the sample, but since you have loose material, just chuck some in a plastic ziplock bag (thendouble bag it) and post it to them... saves yourself a tenner.

Ganga

As you have gotten rid of most of it could you not put on your face mask again and vacuum the residue out,bag it and dispose of it,even if you have it tested and it comes back with a negative result ( contains some asbestos ) what are you going to do?

elsmandino

Good point. I have done a bit more research and, regardless of the outcome, I think I have little choice to hire a H-Class vacuum and hoover the loft from top to bottom.

The problem is that the loft is stuffed with years of stuff (clothes, toys, books etc) and it is so dusty up there.

Ganga

Well do not forget the dust mask and a pair of overalls would also be a good idea.

elsmandino

Bit of an update.

Luckily, the test results came back negative.

However, another issue has arisen.

Apparently, it is possible that old roof underlay could contain asbestos.

Mine is as old and brittle as anything and sections of it have crumbled off over time.

I guess I need to send off yet another sample for testing.

It seems that there is nothing that asbestos could not have been added to at the time.

Artytarty

Ain't that the truth! My daughter has bought a 1930s semi where the loo cistern is made of asbestos!

elsmandino

Artytarty wrote: »

Ain't that the truth! My daughter has bought a 1930s semi where the loo cistern is made of asbestos!

That makes even less sense - why fireproof something that is consistently full of water?

Mutton_Geoff

elsmandino wrote: »

That makes even less sense - why fireproof something that is consistently full of water?

Asbestos was also used as a sound insulator. On many old kitchen sinks, the pad on the bottom of the bowl is made from asbestos. Old houses are full of it, and as long as it's not disturbed, you'll be fine.


I have had lots of testing done by a firm called Pass UK. Very competitive (no connection, just a happy customer).


https://www.passukltd.co.uk/

FreeBear

Mutton_Geoff wrote: »

Asbestos was also used as a sound insulator. On many old kitchen sinks, the pad on the bottom of the bowl is made from asbestos.

The fibrous nature of asbestos added strength to any number of materials. Today, modern replacements include polypropylene, glass, carbon, aramids (Kevlar), and even basalt.