Protect Your Family from Asbestos-Contaminated Vermiculite Insulation
EPA has asked Federal Agencies to help "get the word out" about important information on vermiculite insulation and its potential to be contaminated with asbestos fibers.
In light of EPA's recent action to declare a public health emergency for Libby, Montana, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a renewed public awareness campaign to notify the public about important information on vermiculite insulation and its potential to be contaminated with asbestos fibers. While EPA's guidance for homeowners continues to be to leave attic insulation undisturbed and to take proper steps to minimize exposure if it must be disturbed, EPA wants to ensure that the general public, and those individuals whose jobs routinely put them in attic spaces, such as electricians, plumbers and other contractors, are aware of the potential risks of exposure.
As the initial step in this campaign, EPA is providing your organization with the guidance document, "Protect Your Family from Asbestos-Contaminated Vermiculite Insulation," as well as the link to EPA's vermiculite insulation website, http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/verm.html, which contains a series of helpful questions and answers, a Spanish version of the guidance document, and additional background information on the issue. We are asking for your support and participation in this important initiative to inform the public about the possible risks that vermiculite insulation may pose if not managed properly by partnering with us to disseminate the guidance document and website to your members and stakeholders.