According to the Ontario Real Estate Association,
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"Vermiculite is a natural, mica-like mineral mined around the world and used in a variety of commercial and consumer products because it is fire-resistant and has good insulation qualities. Of concern is vermiculite ore produced by the Libby Mine in Montana from the 1920's to 1990. It was sold as Zonolite® Attic Insulation and possibly other brands in Canada during that time. Vermiculite from the Libby Mine may contain asbestos. The Libby Mine supplied the majority of the world market in vermiculite-based insulation. Products made from vermiculite ore produced by Libby Mine were not widely used after the mid-1980's and have not been on the market in Canada for more than ten years. Not all vermiculite produced before 1990 contains asbestos fibres. However, to be safe and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, it is reasonable to assume that if a building has older vermiculite-based insulation, it may contain some asbestos. These products can cause health risks if disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition. However, there is currently no evidence of risk to health if the insulation is sealed behind wallboards and floorboards, isolated in an attic, or otherwise kept from exposure to the interior environment." |
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