Vermiculite, or Zonolite, is especially common in the insulation material often found in attics and crawlspaces as well as gardening products, such as potting soils and fertilizers. The vermiculite can be in loose form, blown-in insulation, or in the ceiling texture paint found in buildings, commonly known as "popcorn ceiling." Often vermiculite material will contain asbestos fibers as it was mined from areas known to contain asbestos. The need to identify the presence of asbestos fibers in these materials may often be necessary prior to alteration, remediation, or removal of such material.

For $100 per sample, you can test any material you might suspect as being asbestos containing vermiculite and have your results in only 5 days.  Collect a small (approximately ¼ to ½ cup) of material you are interested in testing and place it in a sealed two (double) zipper plastic bag.  Clearly label the outside of the bag VERMICULITE TESTING with a permanent marker.  The outside of the bag should also contain the sample location or identification number.  Enclose a check for the total amount of samples you are submitting along with your contact information.  Send the samples to EMSL Analytical, Inc., 2235 Polvorosa Avenue, Suite 230, San Leandro, CA  94577.  Upon receipt, the laboratory will then analyze the material and tell you if it contains asbestos based upon a visual estimation, expressed in a percentage of material submitted. 

The laboratory may be reached at 1-888-455-3675 or www.EMSL.com if needed.

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