Those Living Near Receiving Facilities at Risk

Populations living near these vermiculite-receiving facilities may have been exposed to asbestos as a result of vermiculite processing. Mining, milling, and exfoliation activities account for the vast majority of processing releases of asbestos from vermiculite.

Exfoliation, the major processing step at vermiculite processing facilities, involves heating the mineral to drive off excess water to produce small, lightweight, low-density pieces. Ninety- four percent of crude vermiculite is exfoliated.

The most probable route of human exposure to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite occurs via inhalation, either by occupational exposure, by non-occupational ambient air exposure, or by exposure to contaminated clothing of household contacts of vermiculite-processing facility employees.

It is not currently known how many people were potentially exposed to asbestos from these vermiculite-processing facilities; however, one estimate is over 13 million people.