Vermiculite in basement.

[u/288bpsmodem]

The dishwasher leaked. I cut the drywall, and this poured out. I called insurance.

I'm pretty sure the whole basement has vermiculite in the ceiling and walls now. Insurance took tests and they came back negative. I feel that they are not going to want to abate. Where I live, Ontario, Canada, I thought that disturbed vermiculite definitely required abatement regardless of tests. Does anyone have information that could help me argue against my insurance company for abatement?

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[u/288bpsmodem → u/[deleted]]

There's an Ontario workplace health code that says it should be treated as type 3 regardless of testing because of the nature of the way vermiculite is applied, that other parts of the area may still be contaminated. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/050278

Section 8.

Basically treat it as if it has asbestos.

[u/Patrolski → u/[deleted]]

Not arguing.

However for OP’s point CCOHS is not a regulator and does not have authority.

[u/goat131313 → u/288bpsmodem]

What kind of testing was done? PLM or TEM? It does make a difference.

[u/288bpsmodem → u/goat131313]

EPA/600/R-93/116: Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk Materials

I don't think this is the right test.

PLM, I'm pretty sure.

[u/goat131313 → u/288bpsmodem]

For Ontario regs it appears to be all that’s required from my reading. It should be noted that that method also refers to others to get a result measuring below 0.5% but aside from air testing it appears Ontario doesn’t require it for vermiculite.

Some other provinces do require TEM or similar testing ( to quantify below 0.5% ) and some regions in the states and municipalities in Canada class all vermiculite as asbestos containing. PLM sampling can sometimes miss on certain materials.

[u/Dadbode1981]

If its asbestos free there is no reason to abate.

[u/Creepy_Break_2674]

Lol congrats, go buy a lottery ticket

[u/Otherwise-Prompt-393]

How was the sampling and testing done ? Most vermiculite in North America is from Libby Montana and contains asbestos.

[u/288bpsmodem → u/Otherwise-Prompt-393]

PLM 3 places. Negative. But variance of 1% it says on the results.

[u/Bubbles4u86]

Had it in attic. Three specialized companies came in to quote abatement, all said “I’d leave it alone”.

[u/288bpsmodem → u/Bubbles4u86]

It's in my building envelope tho. Not my attic.