Processing involves exfoliation, or popping, of asbestos vermiculite

Vermiculite process involves exfoliation (popping) of raw asbestos ore

The vermiculite originating from a mine in Libby, Montana, was contaminated with asbestos. Studies conducted in the Libby community indicate health impacts that are associated with asbestos exposure.

The findings at Libby provided the impetus for investigating processing sites, including the Vermiculite NW site in Spokane, Washington, and other sites across the nation that received vermiculite from the Libby mine.

It is important to recognize, however, that the asbestos exposures documented in the Libby community are in many ways unique and will not necessarily be present at other sites that processed or handled Libby vermiculite. The site investigation at Vermiculite NW is part of a national effort to identify and evaluate potential asbestos exposures that may be expected at these other sites.

The exfoliation, or popping, of vermiculite ore at Vermiculite NW released significant amounts of asbestos fibers inside the facility and vented contaminated asbestos dust outside that may have been carried into the nearby neighborhood.

On-site soil samples revealed detectable levels of asbestos, and off-site samples showed trace levels of asbestos. The following discussion will address past, current and future exposure pathways and health hazards associated with the asbestos released from Vermiculite NW.

Courtesy of the Washington Department of Health