We'll admit, the blog title is a bit misleading. We aren't talking about ghosts, animals, or strangers. We're talking about Zonolite. Zonolite is the name of a vermiculite attic insulation product sold between the 1940s and 1990s. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that resembles pebbles or gravel and has the ability to be puffed out when heated- which is why it was widely used for attic floor insulation. The material is lightweight and fire-resistant- making it popular within the construction industry during that time. Though it is no longer made, its popularity in the past means it can still be found in millions of homes across the U.S. Unfortunately, most Zonolite is contaminated with highly-toxic asbestos due to where the vermiculite was mined.
Although not all vermiculite is the Zonolite brand or contains asbestos, the EPA advises that you should assume that vermiculite contains asbestos because it still remains in many attics and homes across the US. It is considered “friable", meaning it easily distributed into the air when disturbed.
"Pursuant to a legal settlement, W.R. Grace, which operated the Zonolite company from 1963-1990, has funded an independent Trust and claims facility from which eligible claimants may receive partial reimbursement of their cost to remove or contain Zonolite in their homes." However, removing the substance as a do-it-yourself project should not be attempted because of the friable asbestos. It is encouraged to call a certified asbestos inspector to safely and completely remove the material. If you believe that this material may remain in your home, click here to learn more about the settlement. Our team is trained and certified to remove and dispose of hazardous asbestos-containing materials. Give us a call at (866) 939-4429!