Vermiculite is a course occur mineral whose slight , shiny layers and appearance resemble mica . This mineral compound is formed by the weathering and shift of the minerals biotite and phlogopite . Like many micaceous compounds , vermiculite layers can enlarge up to 30 times their original sizing when subjected to acute heat . In its post - het up grade , vermiculite is lightheaded weight , absorbent and various .

History

From 1925 to 1990 , vermiculite ore mine near Libby , Mont. , account for more than one-half of the spherical production and supply . During the mining process , asbestos and asbestos fibers were mine and mixed with vermiculite . It is in the main the asbestos - contaminated vermiculite that has posed the greatest health concern . Though the Libby mine is no longer in operation , two companies with three operation in the United States , two in South Carolina and one in Virginia , mine vermiculite . There are still vermiculite deposits in Texas , Colorado , Nevada , North Carolina and Wyoming .

In the United States , import vermiculite comes primarily from two countries – South Africa and China . Less quantity come up from Russia , Australia , Zimbabwe , Brazil and Japan .

Benefits

According to the National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health , most of the asbestos - pollute vermiculite , craft named Zonolite , is used in loose - filling attic insulation , acoustic sound - proofing materials and swimming pool concrete commixture , and in industrial products like bracken shoes and pads , furnace and insulating material blocks . In agriculture , gardeners and farmers use vermiculite to improve soil ’s permeableness and absorbency .

As a gardening supplement , vermiculite in compost creates a easy , open compost that holds more water and permit more sentence between watering . Also , because vermiculite has first-class ion - telephone exchange properties , it absorbs superfluous nutrients and slow relinquish them to a plant ’s root hairs . With newfangled seed growth , vermiculite ’s aeration properties along with its absorbent nature make it an ideal medium for seed sprouting . In tank farming , vermiculite is commonly used in a 50/50 mix with perlite . Another mineral chemical compound , perlite has a highly porous character that balances well with vermiculite ’s absorbent , yet light features .

Toxicity

Much of vermiculite toxicity is associated with asbestos . fit in to the Centers For Disease Control , prolong exposure to asbestos can lead to asbestosis , an inflammation of the chest cavity also known as pleurisy . It can also lead to lung cancer , recurrent pneumonia and an asbestos - related cancer known as malignant mesothelioma . The modal time frame of reference for asbestos - related lung conditions to happen is 20 to 40 years after the first picture . By itself , vermiculite is not moot toxic , but the mineral does bring about a debris that can cause asthma and allergic reaction .

Options

If you ’d rather not utilize vermiculite , consider clay pebble , a rehabilitation medium , which improves water system retention and nutritious circulation in grease . As a spiritualist in hydroponic gardens , spaces between the pebbles ameliorate water and alimental circulation . In traditional garden , practice pine chaff , peat moss , sawdust , perlite or bark .

Warning

Vermiculite can be a health hazard if not handled properly . Because of its potential contamination with asbestos , it can be life-threatening if inhaled . On skin , it dry cursorily on fingers , workforce and wearable , even when lactating . In addition , vermiculite detritus can irritate skin and eyes . If you ’re handle vermiculite alone , use protective hand and face roadblock . forfend laundry vermiculite - covered clothing with the sept washing . If you ’re prone to respiratory illness , apply pot grunge with vermiculite rather than its uncoiled human body .

References

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