i have a project where i have to solve a murder. and the body was found in an upside-down barrel with a heaping amount of industrial grade moisture absorbing grain that may have been vermiculite?the victim died of blunt force head trauma.. so why do you think they would put the body into the two barrels?PLEASE HELP ME OUT??
Get a dusk mask on and roll out some fiberglass batting over the top of it to keep it from moving around and getting in the air. If you're over 40, don't worry about it- you might get lung cancer when you're 90 if you breathe the stuff in every day, but by that time who cares?
Get it tested before anything else. Avoid use of attic. If it is not disturbed, there is little chance of harm.
Get it tested. There is considerable air flow between the attic and the home, and the insulation only acts as a filter. If you are to seal of the attic, make sure to hire an air-sealer to take care of all penetrations between the attic and conditioned space (there are many) and have his work tested with a blower door.
Vermiculite is not known to contain asbestos. Some home inspectors are more prone to cover themselves with Teflon, that is, put things in writing so there is no way they can be sued later. A good home inspector will know a lab nearby that will test the vermiculite for asbestos for under $100. Leave it alone. Was it causing a problem for you before the inspection? Asbestos is not a health problem unless it gets into the air and you breath it for long periods of time. Asbestos was in the pop-corn ceiling coating until '73. As long as it stays painted, it poses no problem. I'm not a technical expert, but inhaling tobacco fumes pose a greater health risk. If the vermiculite is not more than 6 thick, blow another 6 of cellulose or rock wool or fiber glass and get an R30 and keep yourself cool in summer and warm in winter.
