Asbestos a Hazard Even Among Gardeners
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When most people hear the word “asbestos,” they think about a material that used to be a hazard but is now banned. Unfortunately, this is only half true. While many asbestos products were banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the late 1970’s, many products containing low levels of asbestos still exist on the market, in addition to older high-level asbestos products that still remain in nearly 80% of structures built before 1978.
How does asbestos affect gardeners? Gardeners may have thought they would be last people affected by asbestos exposure, as they are about as far removed from industrial exposures as one could be. However, asbestos remains in one popular and organic fertilizer: vermiculite. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in both industry and gardening. Vermiculite must be mined from the ground, where it is then distributed for different purposes. Asbestos is also a naturally occurring mineral. While vermiculite does not contain asbestos, it is mined, in almost all cases,
directly in the vicinity of asbestos deposits.
In Libby, Montana, the chemical company W.R. Grace had been mining vermiculite for years around asbestos deposits. Over time, many of the plant’s employees as well as members of the general community became ill with mesothelioma, a rare and deadly asbestos cancer, in addition to other asbestos related health complications.
The high-profile nature of the case has caused all vermiculite mines to now be thoroughly tested for asbestos, though some inevitably still manages to get by.
When buying vermiculite in bulk, ensure that it is labeled as “non-dusty,” as the dust is non-vermiculite inert matter that very likely will contain microscopic asbestos fibers. Even as vermiculite is an organic and generally safe fertilizer, simple precautions should be taken to ensure that it is safe to use. Store and handle vermiculite in well ventilated areas.
Be safe. Stay green. And happy garden journeys!
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Why not just not use vermiculite? Why risk it?
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued recommendations that people limit the use of vermiculite, use it outdoors and take measures to prevent excessive exposure to vermiculite dust.
“Types of Asbestos” http://www.asbestos.net/asbestos/types-of-asbestos.html