InspectAPedia®   -   Search InspectApedia

Munn & Steel vermiculite insulation from a NY Home (C) InspectApedia.com FranchesiG Munn & Steel & Mica-Fil Vermiculite Insulation FAQs

Q&A on Mica-Fil Vermiculite identification hazards, history, advice

FAQs on vermiculite insulation produced or sold by Munn & Steele or Mica-Fil Brands:

This article series explains how to recognize vermiculite building insulation that may contain asbestos fibers. This article permits visual identification of vermiculite insulation; we include our own as well as US EPA photographs of various forms of vermiculite insulation to assist in recognizing vermiculite in buildings.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?

Munn & Steele Vermiculite Insulation FAQs

MicaFill vermiculite insulation marketed in the U.S. from Munn and Steele  (C) InspectApedia.com James PattersonThese questions & answers about Mica-Fil, a Munn & Steele Vermiculite Insulation product and its asbestos content were posted originally

at MUNN & STEEL & MICA-FIL VERMICULITE BUILDING INSULATION - be sure to see that article.

On 2019-05-31 by (mod) -

Thanks for the interesting comment.

On 2019-05-29 by NSInsulator

I work for an insulation company in Nova Scotia and it is not uncommon to find vermiculite insulation in old homes. I find about 70% are usually positive. Unfortunately, at this home, not enough could be collected to really test it.

A few large, hard, green flakes can be easily seen, which in my experience can typically indicate positive for asbestos (I keep a tally of my guesses before I send the samples, I am currently 64/83, 77% correct).

It also seems like the homeowner has cleaned out it out by themselves, which also makes me suspect that they already know it is positive. At this point, I am assuming it is positive and not touching the attic.

IMAGE LOST by older version of Comments Box Code error - sorry. If you can re-post the image we'll be glad to comment further.

On 2019-03-12 by KT


The orange and brown bag above (Vermiculite Insulating Limited) is what I have in my attic, is it also produced by Munn & Steele?

On 2019-03-12 by (mod) -

No, but ...

My search for records indicating whether or not Munn & Steele actually sold vermiculite that came from the Libby mine (or from the Siscoe mine) did not find any indicators suggesting a yes or no answer but it seems likely, since some of the MicaFil packaging specifically names the Siscoe vermiculite mine.

On 2019-03-11 by KT

@Michel Gou,
Did you ever have this product tested?

On 2019-03-11 by KT

I have a bag of the isolation micafil vermiculite insulation produced by Vermiculite Insulating Limited in my attic, my attic is insulated with fiberglass bats but has some vermiculite scattered on top. Has anyone below received the test results from this product?

On 2019-02-24 by (mod) -

Mitch

We don't have lab test results for this particular vermiculite insulation and worse even if we did we could not generalize that reult to all instances of the product.

If you have some Mica Fil and want to have it tested those results would be useful to have nevertheless.

As you read in the above

My search for records indicating whether or not Munn & Steele actually sold vermiculite that came from the Libby mine (or from the Siscoe mine) did not find any indicators suggesting a yes or no answer but it seems likely, since some of the MicaFil packaging specifically names the Siscoe vermiculite mine.

On 2019-02-24 by Mitch


Was your micafil tested? And if so what were the results?

On 2018-11-24 by (mod) -

John,

It would be helpful if you would post a picture one or comment showing me the bags and all of the writing on both sides.

Even if the bags are empty you want to take care of not to dump dust out of the bags or to breathe at in case there is an asbestos Hazard is best to avoid exposure.

On 2018-11-23 by john cannon

I have empty bags if vermiculite insulation limited in my attic. When I bought my house I was given a document that stated it DID NOT contain asbestos. I will try to find it again to provide more information. I'm planning to have it tested again to be double sure.

On 2018-08-23 by (mod) -

Michael I'm surprised at your price quote - as typically an asbestos test cost under $50. U.S.

It would be prudent to treat the vermiculite insulation in your photo a presumed to contain asbestos. I see also what looks like rock wool - mineral wool insulation atop the bag.

Search InspectApedia.com for ROCK WOOL INSULATION to read about that different material.

On 2018-08-23 by Anonymous

@Michel Gou,
We have a similar bag (pic attached) found in the attic of a home my daughter has an offer in. Sadly we will have to have it tested ($450) before closing. Would be great to Know if texted and what results you had
Christine

IMAGE LOST by Comments Box Code error - sorry. If you can re-post the image we'll be glad to comment further.

For step-by-step illustrated directions on how to upload an image or comment to our website

see IMAGE UPLOAD DIRECTIONS

On 2018-08-09 by (mod) -

Michael,

From the packaging showing that Isolation Micafil Vermiculte Insulation was distributed from Montreal, London or Toronto, I suspect that you are located in Canada. There was asbestos in some vermiculite mined in Canada.

Please see details about this insulation (where I'll also add your photo) above on this page where I will include your photo and a request for comment from other readers.

I would treat the insulation as presumed to contain asbestos unless or until you have a sample tested.

See ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST at inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Test_Lab_Lists.php

On 2018-08-09 by Michel Gou

I insulated part of a wall with vermiculite in the 1980s. I have found a complete bag for which I enclose photos. Can you tell me if this particular brand was asbestos free or not. Thank you

IMAGE LOST by Comments Box Code error - sorry. If you can re-post the image we'll be glad to comment further.


...

Continue reading at MUNN & STEELE VERMICULITE, MICA-FIL, Siscoe Vermiculite Mine - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

Suggested citation for this web page

MUNN & STEELE VERMICULITE, MICA-FIL FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.


Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to ASBESTOS HAZARDS

Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.

Search the InspectApedia website

Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, photograph, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. Apologies for the delay.

Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like.
You will not receive a notification
when a response to your question has been posted.
Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response.


Comment Form is loading comments...

 

IF above you see "Comment Form is loading comments..." then COMMENT BOX - countable.ca / bawkbox.com IS NOT WORKING.

In any case you are welcome to send an email directly to us at InspectApedia.com at editor@inspectApedia.com

We'll reply to you directly. Please help us help you by noting, in your email, the URL of the InspectApedia page where you wanted to comment.

Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.



ADVERTISEMENT