Zonolite insulation is the trademarked name of a product sold as attic insulation between the 1940s and 1990s. Consisting of the naturally occurring mineral vermiculite, Zonolite was used for decades to insulate the homes of millions of Americans. This attic insulation was typically gray-brown or silver-gold in color, consists of a pebble-like texture. Part of its popularity within the construction industry stemmed from the fact it was lightweight and fire-resistant.

Although all vermiculite does not consist of asbestos, Zonolite insulation was attributed to instances of asbestos exposure. Zonolite may prove harmful to residents because it remains in many attics and homes across the United States and the world. Determining whether Zonolite insulation contains asbestos is not an easy task and may require trained professionals. Removing it as a do-it-yourself project should not be attempted because of the threat of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, a cancer that is diagnosed between 2,000 and 3,000 lives a year. Zonolite insulation hasn't been sold in years, but the fact that it still remains in the walls and attics of millions homes and businesses still pose a threat to many who may be exposed to it. If you or a family member has developed mesothelioma and would like to learn more, please complete this form to receive a free information packet from the Mesothelioma Center.

Dangers of Zonolite Insulation

Because homes or buildings contain some form of required insulation, utilizing the right materials may mean the difference between forming health complications and maintaining good health. Zonolite insulation is linked to asbestos exposure because vermiculite, the mineral that makes up insulation, is known to exist and be mined from areas where asbestos is also present. In the instances where asbestos particles mix with vermiculite, the latter substance may become toxic.

Some estimates list Zonolite insulation as being in as many as 35 million U.S. homes, buildings and offices. There is no official accounting of the number of families and individuals may be affected by exposure to Zonolite. Critics say the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has known about the dangers of this insulation for more a decade and has not taken steps to warn and inform consumers who may have Zonolite insulation in their attics and buildings.

A home with asbestos-laced insulation likely will yield extensive exposure over the course of many years if the asbestos is disturbed. This long-term exposure increases the likelihood that a resident of the home will develop mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease such as asbestosis.

Fast Fact: Between 1919 and 1990, 70 percent of the world's supply of vermiculite, which is the product that Zonolite insulation consists of, came from the Libby mine, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What Should You Do?

If you find Zonolite insulation in your home, proceed with caution. Because it may be difficult to definitively know whether or not your insulation contains asbestos, the EPA recommends that you assume it does contain asbestos. Further disturbance of the product can cause the asbestos fibers to be released into the air. While the removal of asbestos, or asbestos abatement, may be necessary for your home or building, leaving the Zonolite insulation undisturbed may be equally effective.

Don't disturb Zonolite insulation.

Don't attempt to remove the insulation yourself if you are not a trained professional.

Don't store any items in the area where the insulation may be.

Avoid allowing anyone to go in the attic unless completely necessary.

Consult or hire a professional asbestos contractor to assist with any removal, renovations or remodeling of parts of the home that may include the attic.

Learn more about other forms of asbestos insulation by clicking here

Get More Information

Asbestos exposure can prove very detrimental to your health, as it has been known to cause deadly cancers like mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Staying informed and understanding what actions to take before and after asbestos exposure has occurred can prove very beneficial to your well being. Click here to request free books from the Mesothelioma Center about asbestos, mesothelioma and what you can do to best handle a mesothelioma diagnosis.

View Article Sources

OSHA Has Issue with Company Doing Asbestos Abatement at Buffalo Housing Project
05/24/2012 - One of the biggest asbestos-abatement jobs ever done in Buffalo, New York, is being handled now by a local company with a history of asbestos-related ..
Mesothelioma Patients Hopeful on Anti-Cancer Drugs Entering Clinical Trial Phase
05/23/2012 - A new class of anti-cancer drugs is nearing the clinical trial phase and may eventually be available for treatment of aggressive diseases like pancrea ..
Crazy Indian Mascot, Made with Asbestos Tiles, Still Loved at Illinois High School
05/23/2012 - School districts all across America have been wrestling in recent years with the task of removing and disposing of toxic asbestos from older buildings ..

© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center | Last Modified Thursday, February 9th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.