Zonolite Warning

As many as 35 million U.S. homes, buildings and offices may contain Zonolite contaminated with asbestos. Furthermore, the specific type of asbestos found at the mine where the product was sourced poses a particularly grave risk.

• Most commercially used asbestos is called chrysotile, also known as “white asbestos.” Chrysotile is a serpentine form of asbestos, meaning its fibers are curly and occur in sheets of crystals.

• The asbestos that contaminates most Zonolite, however, is called tremolite. This noncommercial variety is described as an amphibole form of asbestos because its crystal fibers are straight rather than curly.

It takes less exposure to tremolite to cause asbestos-related disease, compared to the more common chrysotile. Some studies suggest tremolite could be 10 times more dangerous than the white asbestos used by most manufacturers.

People have the greatest risk of developing an illness such as asbestosis or malignant mesothelioma when they are exposed to asbestos dust on a regular basis over many years, and any activity that disturbs Zonolite can potentially release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air.

Working with contaminated Zonolite directly during home construction or renovation creates a major exposure risk, but even simple tasks, such as moving things around in an attic or working on ceiling fixtures, can lead to enough cumulative exposure over the years to cause an asbestos-related illness. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.

EPA recommendations for homeowners with Zonolite insulation:

• Do not allow anyone into the attic unless completely necessary.

• Do not store items in the attic.

• Do not attempt to remove the insulation yourself if you are not a trained asbestos-abatement professional.

  Abating Zonolite Insulation

  Handling asbestos-containing Zonolite is a dangerous task that must be performed with caution. Microscopic asbestos dust cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, and the toxic mineral fibers can slip through a standard dust mask. Disturbing contaminated attic insulation can put all those living in the home at risk, and asbestos can also contaminate work clothes, leading to secondhand exposure in workers’ families.

  If your home contains Zonolite attic insulation, consult or hire our team for assistance. Contact us today.