^tDSX * O \ SXf Lincoln County Do-lt-Yourselfers What to Do if You Find Vermiculite or Asbestos In or Around Your Home or Business Asbestos Resource Program (ARP) Libby and Surrounding Area • 406-291-5335 EPA Information Center • 108 E. 9th St., Libby, Montana 59923 • 406-293-6194 Revised: January 2014 Vermiculite in Libby & Troy For several decades, vermicu- lite was commonly used in and around homes in Lincoln County for a variety of appli- cations, including as a soil additive, construction aggre- gate, and attic insulation. If vermiculite is present, it might contain Libby Amphibole asbestos (LA). Exposure to LA could lead to such serious diseases as asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma. It will take several years for EPA to complete its cleanup activity in Libby and Troy. Residents might encounter vermiculite during that time and even after EPA has finished its work. It is not possible for EPA to remove (or even know about) all of the vermiculite in the ar- ea. In some cases, it will intentionally be left in sealed walls, home foundations, attics, crawlspaces and other relatively inaccessible are- as. Some encounters with vermiculite will be small in volume, such as a handful, and might include: minor renovations, such as removing old carpets or drywall, installing ceiling fans or removing wall outlets routine landscaping, like gardening, rototil- ling or mowing There will be times when a large pocket of ver- miculite is discovered, for example: extensive digging - for septic systems, sprin- klers, or water lines. major renovations - taking down walls, put- ting in windows, etc. fires - fire-fighting and subsequent cleanup. Protect Yourself If you encounter vermiculite, it is likely that you will be exposed to Libby Amphibole asbestos. If possible, leave it alone. Hiring a licensed asbes- tos contractor to clean up vermiculite spilled while working on your home is strongly recom- mended to minimize your exposure. If you are unsure of what to do, call the Asbestos Resource Program (ARP). If you choose to continue work- ing in contaminated areas, take the following steps: Take Steps to Avoid Exposure 1. Keeping in mind that any amount of vermicu- lite may cause a significant exposure risk, for a small indoor quantity, such as a handful of vermiculite, use a damp paper towel to scoop up the material into a sealable plastic bag or jar. Then use another damp towel to wipe down the area. Place the used paper towels in the container and throw everything away in a proper receptacle (a covered trashcan is OK). For a small quantity of vermiculite in soil, such as a very isolated area or a few random flakes, it is recommended that you wet it and call the ARP. If possible, leave it alone. If the material is buried, keep it that way - it's better buried than at the surface. 2. HEPA filter vacuum cleaners are effective on small quantities of vermiculite found indoors. Never vacuum vermiculite with a regular vacuum cleaner. HEPA vacuums and wet wiping can be used periodically to remove small amounts of vermiculite introduced into your home. Use a HEPA vacuum to remove dust from previously inaccessible locations such as under recently removed carpets, ap- pliances and furniture. ------- 3. For larger quantities of vermiculite, such as what you may find in a breached wall, do not disturb the material. Do not vacuum large amounts of vermiculite - even with a HEPA vacuum. Leave the material alone and call the ARP. 4. Dry mowing or rototilling in yards and gar- dens where vermiculite is found might cause asbestos to become airborne. We encourage sprinkling your yard or garden with water be- fore mowing or tilling. Consult with the ARP if you are unsure about the vermicu- lite content in your yard. 5. If you encounter a large amount of vermicu- lite in soil that cannot be avoided, such as when it is used around structures like pipes or foundations, or as bulk fill - do not disturb the material, call the ARP. 6. If you are planning on remodeling your home, find out if there is vermiculite in the attic or walls (drill small pilot test holes) or in any other material that will be taken out, dis- turbed, or is likely to create dust. You can call the EPA Information Center at 406-293-6194 if you are unsure. You should also be aware of specific state and local regulations regarding remodeling, demolition, and disposal that may impact your work, especially on big projects. 7. Renters - You have a right to know about any adverse conditions at your rental. Ask your land- lord about the presence of vermiculite. If you do not receive the information you request, contact the EPA Information Center or the ARP. Libby Amphibole (LA) is toxic. It should be avoided or handled with extreme care. Exposure to Libby Amphibole asbestos has resulted in disease in workers and non-workers who have had contact with contaminated materials. There is no known threshold risk level for asbestos-related materials, and any exposure will increase the risk of asbestos-related disease. The health risk from exposure to all asbestos depends greatly on the amount of asbestos in the material you are disturbing and how long the exposure lasts. If you take the basic precautions outlined in this fact sheet, your risk from exposure will be less. It should be noted that regular dust or "painter's" masks are not effective in reducing exposure to LA. Who Can I Contact With Questions About Asbestos? EPA Information Center: 406-293-6194 ARP for the Libby/Troy areas: 406-291-5335 EPA, the ARP or DEQ may send personnel out to inspect a situation involving vermiculite or LA. They might advise the owner to allow EPA or a licensed asbestos contractor or inspector to take samples, conduct cleanup or take other special measures to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure. A list of licensed inspectors and contractors can be found at the Information Center. Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Asbestos Control Program: 406-444-5300 Montana law requires that employers hire a licensed inspector to determine if asbestos is present before doing any work. Asbestos that is not associated with the Libby vermiculite mine is still regulated by Montana DEQ. If non-Libby asbestos is found, it should be dealt with according to Montana regula- tions. Visit Montana DEQ's Asbestos website at: www.deq.mt.gov/Asbestos Please learn about the risks of asbestos exposure and basic precautions by reviewing these fact sheets (available at the EPA Information Center mentioned above) or the website listed below: • HEPA Vacuum Cleaner Program Revised January 2014 • Contractors & Tradesmen Working Indoors - Revised January 2014 • Contractors & Tradesmen Working Outdoors - Revised January 2014 • Libby and Troy Residents: Vermiculite or Asbestos In or Around Your Home or Business - Revised January 2014 • Yard Work and Gardening Activities - Revised January 2014 • Demolition Activities - Revised January 2014 • Explore the EPA website and its links at: www2.epa.gov/region8/libby-asbestos ------- |