How To Test Vermiculite For Asbestos In Hampshire

If you own or are planning to purchase a property in Hampshire, it is important to be aware of the potential asbestos hazards in your building. Asbestos is a harmful mineral that was widely used in construction materials before its ban in 1999. It can cause a range of deadly lung diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis, that often do not become apparent until many years down the line.

One of the most common uses of asbestos in building materials was in insulation, and vermiculite insulation is a particular concern for property owners in Hampshire. If you suspect that your property may contain vermiculite insulation, it is crucial that you conduct an asbestos test to be sure.

Who are Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire are an asbestos testing and removal company that serve the Hampshire area. We specialise in the safe and effective removal of asbestos and can also conduct thorough asbestos testing for your property. We have years of experience in the industry and are fully licensed to carry out asbestos removal works.

Exposure to Asbestos Increases Risk of Disease

Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. The effects of asbestos exposure are not immediate and may take 20-50 years to appear, which is why it is important to identify if there is any asbestos present in your building as soon as possible.

Asbestos Fibres

Asbestos fibres are microscopic and can easily be inhaled causing serious health issues. Once inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs leading to permanent lung damage.

Vermiculite Insulation

Vermiculite insulation was commonly used in the United States from the early 1920s to the early 1990s to insulate attics and walls. Vermiculite insulation looks like small pebble-like or popcorn-like pieces, often silver-grey-brown in colour. It is naturally fire-resistant but may contain asbestos fibres.

Asbestos in Vermiculite Insulation

In October 16, 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States announced new guidance around vermiculite insulation: "If you have vermiculite insulation, it may contain asbestos. Do not disturb it. Only removal by a licensed asbestos contractor is recommended." The guidance also recommended avoiding disturbing or removing the insulation yourself, as doing so could release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air.

Although not all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos, it is important to proceed with caution, especially if you're in the Hampshire or South East England region. Vermiculite insulation obtained from a mine that is known to contain impure vermiculite is more likely to contain asbestos.

How to Test for Asbestos in Vermiculite Insulation

The testing process involves taking samples of the suspected material and sending them to a laboratory for analysis. This must be done by a specialist asbestos testing company, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire.

Our team will carry out an initial visual inspection to identify the presence of any asbestos-containing materials, with the aim of identifying any material that may contain asbestos. Once we have identified any materials that may contain asbestos, we will take samples of these materials for analysis.

On October 24, 2020, the EPA updated their guidance to advise that vermiculite insulation is no longer included in their "asbestos-containing material rule," so this type of material will now only be subject to the normal asbestos testing procedure.

Limitations of Testing for Impure Vermiculite

It can be more difficult to determine if vermiculite insulation that came from an impure mine contains asbestos. The EPA recommends that, if you have vermiculite insulation but don't know where it came from, you should assume it contains asbestos and leave it undisturbed.

Conclusion

If you suspect the presence of asbestos in vermiculite insulation in your Hampshire property, it is important to have it tested by a licensed asbestos testing company as soon as possible. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a specialist asbestos testing and removal company with years of experience in the industry. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or at [email protected], to ensure the safety of your home or commercial property.