Is there a bit of asbestos lurking in your insulation?
Cellulose and vermiculite insulation are both types of blown-in insulation.
Cellulose comes from recycled paper products while vermiculite is a type of mineral.
Vermiculite is a potential safety hazard because it may contain asbestos.
Insulation comes in many forms and materials, with some having better reputations than others. If your home has blown-in insulation, you may wonder if you have cellulose or vermiculite insulation behind your walls. Vermiculite is a mineral insulation that may contain asbestos, while cellulose is made from recycled paper and poses no health risks. Learn more about the differences between these two insulation types.
One of the biggest differences between vermiculite and cellulose insulation is the materials they are made from. Vermiculite is a type of mineral while cellulose is a plant-based product typically made from recycled paper. However, vermiculite insulation may be contaminated with asbestos fibers, while cellulose insulation does not pose that risk.
| Type of Difference | Vermiculite | Cellulose |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Pebbly | Papery |
| Color | Gray | Gray-Brown |
| Material | Mineral | Paper |
| Safety | Possibly contaminated | No contamination |
| Era Used | Pre-1990 | 1990 to present |
Vermiculite and cellulose are similar types of blown-in insulation. Vermiculite is somewhat pebbly and a little rougher, while cellulose resembles fluffy, shredded paper.
Color-wise, vermiculite and cellulose insulation are similar. Both are often gray, although cellulose may also be more of a grayish-brown. Vermiculite may have a metallic sheen to it.
Vermiculite is a mineral, which explains its pebbly, nugget-like appearance. It's made from magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate and comes from mines around the world.
It's important to understand that vermiculite, on its own, is not asbestos. However, for years, the vermiculite that came from a particular mine was contaminated with a type of asbestos, making it a health risk. Since it's difficult to tell the difference between vermiculite, cellulose, and asbestos insulation based on appearance, if you have any reason to believe your insulation is contaminated, it's best to call a professional asbestos testing company near you.
Unlike vermiculite or asbestos, cellulose insulation comes from paper products, often recycled newspaper or cardboard. Cellulose is what gives cells their sturdiness and rigidity. It refers to the cell walls of plants.
If your home was built from the mid-20th century until about 1990, it could contain vermiculite insulation that is contaminated with asbestos. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most of the vermiculite insulation used in the U.S. pre-1990 came from a contaminated mine.
If your home was built after 1990, it is less likely to contain vermiculite insulation and more likely to have cellulose or another material.
Vermiculite on its own isn't a dangerous mineral. However, the Environmental Protection Agency's advice is to assume that if your home has vermiculite insulation, that insulation is contaminated with asbestos.
In that case, you have few options to keep your family and home safe. The standard recommendation is to leave the walls alone. Don't open up insulated walls or try to remove the insulation, as doing so can stir up the fibers, releasing them into the air. When asbestos becomes airborne, someone may inhale its fibers, which can increase the risk of cancer.
If you need to work in an area with vermiculite insulation, contact a professional asbestos abatement company to ensure the material is handled safely.
Since cellulose comes from paper, it presents little health risks. However, many types of cellulose insulation are backed with boric acid or borax, which can cause irritation and other health concerns. Use caution when handling cellulose insulation and wear protective gear such as a mask, gloves, and goggles.
Vermiculite insulation that comes from a particular mine before 1990 is likely to contain asbestos. This is particularly true in the U.S. However, not all types of vermiculite insulation contain asbestos. Since you can't detect the presence of asbestos without special equipment, it's best to assume that the insulation contains the dangerous mineral and to either leave it alone or hire a professional to handle it.
There are a few ways to test for asbestos and confirm whether or not your insulation contains it. At-home kits are available, but it's important to take precautions when using them and to wear protective gear, especially a mask. A safer option is to hire a professional asbestos testing company to collect the sample for you.
Professional asbestos testers or environmental consultants are the best people to call to test for asbestos. An asbestos testing company specializes in collecting and analyzing samples and will be the most qualified to do the job for you. An environmental consultant may not specialize in handling asbestos, but should still have the knowledge and know-how to safely collect a sample and send it off for analysis.
