Asbestos in Vermiculite Potting Soil
Concerned that vermiculite potting soil could cause asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma? Learn more below.
What is vermiculite potting soil?
Vermiculite is a natural mineral that has thin, flat layered sheets, much like mica. When heated, vermiculite expands, becoming lightweight and absorbent, making it the perfect material to complement heavy potting soil. Gardeners use vermiculite soil to lighten and aerate potting soil, germinate seeds, and root cuttings. Vermiculite is also used to keep the soil in house plant containers well-drained.
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Does vermiculite contain asbestos?
Vermiculite and asbestos are now forever linked due to the infamous W.R. Grace mining operation in Libby, Montana. Vermiculite mining for an insulation product near Libby began in 1923 and was continued by the W.R. Grace Company from 1963 until 1990. Unfortunately, the vermiculite ore mined in Libby was contaminated with naturally occurring asbestos. W.R. Grace was aware that the vermiculite contained asbestos, but did nothing to warn its workers or the townspeople. In 1955, an internal company memo discussed "the dangers of exposing our employees to asbestos." Hundreds have died from asbestos related diseases in Libby, and more become sick every year.
Because of the Libby disaster, the EPA in 2000 completed a study and found that some vermiculite gardening products do contain asbestos, but the agency concluded that the risk to consumers is minimal. The agency now recommends using vermiculite products in well-ventilated areas to minimize any possible asbestos exposure.
How asbestos can lead to asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma
Airborne asbestos fibers that reach a person’s lungs can cause serious health problems or even death in some cases. Asbestos is a known cause of malignant mesothelioma, a rare but deadly form of cancer that affects the heart, lungs or stomach.
Asbestos exposure from common consumer products such as vermiculite potting soil shows that asbestos-related diseases are a real risk for anyone - from children who may have played near the asbestos to the workers who made the products.
Mesothelioma lawyers may be able to help you
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease from workplace or home exposure to asbestos, contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer immediately. Mesothelioma attorneys have helped thousands of mesothelioma patients win compensation for lost wages and medical costs.
Asbestos companies knew of the risks of asbestos exposure for decades before the public knew. There are avenues to compensation for their criminal actions. Asbestos attorneys can help.
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