Why Zonolite Insulation Is Hazardous to Your Health

Vermiculite is a controversial construction material originally used for building insulation. One brand, Zonolite, has dominated the vermiculite industry but has also faced numerous lawsuits for the health risks involved with their product. For those who aren’t aware, here are some of the main hazards of Zonolite insulation you should know about.

Asbestos Contamination and Mesothelioma

One of the most notable issues from Zonolite exposure is asbestos contamination. Used as a common building material before the 1980s, asbestos irritates the lungs and causes respiratory issues. More so, asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor growth that causes shortness of breath, chest pain, dry cough, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and muscle weakness. Mesothelioma develops when someone inhales airborne asbestos fibers that become lodged in the lung, abdomen, or heart. These fibers damage the mesothelial cells and cause inflammation that, over time, can form tumors. While treatments are available, most patients expect only a 12-month life expectancy after diagnosis.

Lung Disease

Similarly, another hazard of Zonolite insulation is lung disease. If patients don’t develop mesothelioma, they can expect some type of respiratory issue. Asbestosis is a type of chronic lung disease formed after repeated exposure to asbestos fibers. It’s defined by chronic scarring, which can lead to long-term respiratory complications. The asbestos fibers cause inflammation in the lung’s alveoli, or air sacs, which inhibit the body’s ability to breathe in oxygen. It can also target the fibroblast cells that produce the extracellular matrix and collagen that stabilize the lungs. Asbestosis can take decades to diagnose, which can make it more dangerous as the disease progresses. It is not a type of cancer, but asbestosis is uncurable. It accounts for more than 1,000 deaths each year in the United States alone. Still, many people live for decades with the chronic disease and manage it with various remedies, like a well-balanced diet, adequate sleep, exercise, proper hygiene, supplemental oxygen, medication, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Given these health concerns, call us at Air Safe if you suspect your home to have Zonolite insulation. As professionals in vermiculite insulation removal in Massachusetts , we understand the risks involved with improper construction materials. Specifically, we want to eradicate all asbestos and vermiculite from residences and commercial properties to protect those inside. Call us today and avoid any of these serious health risks before it’s too late.