Granules in Attic, Is it Dangerous Insulation?

COULD THE ATTIC BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH?
Dangerous insulation may be hiding above the ceiling of older homes.
In newer homes the insulation is usually soft and puffy fiberglass or a cellulose (very finely ground paper). In some older homes a granular product with a silver glint to it may have been used to insulate the attic.

If you are looking at buying or are living in a home with this granular product in your attic you need to know what it is and it’s potential dangers.
The answer to the question is: Vermiculite insulation.
This insulation may have an asbestos content that is greater than 1% which has been determined to be dangerous to your health. If dust/fibers are inhaled they can damage your lungs.
Most of this type of insulation is not dangerous but determining that requires sending it to a laboratory to be tested.
This insulation that has the potential to have an asbestos content was mostly sold under the Zoelite brand and was produced up to the late 1980’s, but not used much in our area (Dayton) after the late 50’s.  

The Zoelite brand vermiculite was mined in Libby, Montana for more than 50 years. It is said to be one of the longest man-made environmental disasters in U.S. history. Vermiculite used in the U.S. was also was mined in Virginia and South Carolina as well as South Africa and China. 

If you have or see that there is vermiculite in the attic, leave immediately without disturbing the granules.
Do not disturb this product until it has been tested to determine if it is asbestos free.

We can test the suspect insulation for an asbestos content.
If your vermiculite tests positive for asbestos The Zonolite Attic Insulation Fund may be able to help defray some or all of the cost of removal.  Fund Info

We have seen this insulation in the attics in many of the older homes, and particularly in Fairborn, Xenia, Jamestown, City of Dayton, Kettering and Springfield.