Vermiculite Containing Asbestos – Health Canada Advisory

Warning: An older home may contain insulation that is wholly or partly asbestos, usually white or greyish white in colour and possibly in a powder or semi-fibrous form. Some older types of vermiculite insulation may also contain asbestos.

Asbestos inhalation is associated with asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. If you find such material, check with your local or provincial health authority to determine whether you should consult a professional qualified to work with asbestos. Asbestos professionals can be found in the Yellow Pages under "Asbestos." You can also consult the Health Canada publication "It's Your Health – Vermiculite Insulation Containing Asbestos." It is available free by calling 1 800 443-0395.