Vermiculite insulation testing

[tflaro]

I am on the West Coast and am looking for a lab that will test for asbestos in vermiculite insulation. Perferably in Vancover.
Thanx,
Todd

[phinsperger]

You will need to test samples from several locations within the attic or walls and even if the results come back negative you still can't be 100% sure there aren't areas with asbestos right beside the areas you sampled.

[rwand1]

Why waste your money? There is no research that I know of that indicates it's a health problem.

[tflaro]

Thanx Norm,
They don't do asbestos but I found a lab called Norwest thar does. $ 50.00 per sample 3 day turnaround. If there is anyone else please let me know.
Thanx,
Todd

[wblakey]

Originally Posted by rwand1

Why waste your money? There is no research that I know of that indicates it's a health problem.

It's not the vermiculite, it's the potential of asbestos in the vermiculite that is the problem.

[rwand1]

I know that. Where is the proof its a health hazard? Even CMHC is of the opinion it should be left in place, as are other credible sources, fwiw.

[tflaro]

The point is people want to know. I already know that health canada recommends that you just put a layer of insulation over top and not use your attic as a storage area. Even the realtors want to know.
Todd

[tflaro]

What part of ASBESTOS dont you understand. It is proven to cause some forms of cancer when it becomes airborn. Do you not write up when you see asbestos wrap on the furnace ducting.
Todd

[Mario A. Kyriacou, CHI]

Originally Posted by tflaro

The point is people want to know. I already know that health canada recommends that you just put a layer of insulation over top and not use your attic as a storage area. Even the realtors want to know.
Todd

Todd

Then just do the test. Make sure you protect yourself in attic. And have you thought about pro-lab for testing?

[Joseph Hagarty]

Originally Posted by phinsperger

You will need to test samples from several locations within the attic or walls and even if the results come back negative you still can't be 100% sure there aren't areas with asbestos right beside the areas you sampled.

The sample is only indicative of the area sampled. It is not a verification of all areas.

That is why I Defer, Refer and Not Perform this type of work.

[Mario A. Kyriacou, CHI]

Originally Posted by tflaro

What part of ASBESTOS dont you understand. It is proven to cause some forms of cancer when it becomes airborn. Do you not write up when you see asbestos wrap on the furnace ducting.
Todd

Todd

The point is if attic is not used for storage,it is a sealed area of the house.

[Joseph Hagarty]

Originally Posted by tflaro

What part of ASBESTOS dont you understand.

It is proven to cause some forms of cancer when it becomes airborn. Do you not write up when you see asbestos wrap on the furnace ducting.

Todd

Todd,

Please post the number of known Cancers caused by exposure to Asbestos in the Home / Residential environment (absent of contributing Industrial / Petrochemical Environments).

I am curious as to what you may have to contribute....

[Mario A. Kyriacou, CHI]

Originally Posted by mkyriacou

Todd

The point is if attic is not used for storage,it is a sealed area of the house.

Todd

Here is some more info on this subject.

[Charles R. N. Crooker]

Originally Posted by mkyriacou

Todd

The point is if attic is not used for storage,it is a sealed area of the house.

What about the holes for wires, lights kitchen exhaust fans,washroom fans,etc.

[rwand1]

That would not be very likely due to the chimney effect. Air is pulled up through the house not down through the house.