Hi.I had an inspection done on what will be (maybe) my first home. The inspection revealed vermiculite insulation in the attic with a 5% asbestos content. The problem is that the seller remodeled the house, including vaulting the ceilings, which disturbed half of the attic. It is my understanding that removing or disturbing asbestos insulation without hiring an abatement company is not only unhealthy, but potentially illegal. Should I be concerned that the remodel caused the entire house to be contaminated with asbestos fibers? Is the seller required to do anything to mitigate the impact thier careless remodel caused? Anyone have stories about asbestos to share? Thanks!
You don't have asbestos insulation! You have vermiculite with a minute amount of asbestos in it. This will never cause a problem. The only time it might is if you want to reinsulate the attic. If this ever occurs, just tell the contractor what you have found out. He'll deal with it.
Aw man, I would not buy it. Asbestos is not great especially in the attic. Even worse on a house where it has been potentially disturbed. You can get it removed. If you REALLY want the house, I would suggest getting an envirnomental specialist that deals with asbestos before you buy. For one thing they can monitor the air and see if there is any asbestos particles floating around. Secondly they can most likely tell you how much it would cost to remove it. Removal would involve workers in suits, plastic tarps sealing the area off, and much more. You would not be able to live there during the removal (I dont think). I know in some cases you can file a lawsuit to the vermiculite insulation company, if you can figure out who it was. I think there may have been only one or two companies who manufactured the stuff. I dont know if it was illegal to remodel the house, but it sure was stupid. You have some major decisions to make. Good Luck!! I would like to also note that MANY houses have vermiculite tainted with asbestos. The problem was that when they mined vermiculite, asbestos was in the mines as well. That is where the 5% comes from. Warning to all - not to mess with attic insulation. Yes and it only takes one fibre to penetrate your lung and imbed itself and cause issues - sometimes 25 years later.
sounds like you need to walk away from this deal
