vermiculite

Sodak · November 22, 2014

Many years ago there was a mine in Montana (iirc) that had asbestos mingled in with the vermiculite. That caused the asbestos related health problems in the miners.
Now the mining companies are supposed to make sure there is no asbestos in vermiculite, as I understand it.
There seems to be vermiculite in nearly every prepared potting mix, and it is frequently recommended in "homemade" mixes.
I have an acquaintance who is convinced that Vermiculite is always bad and the mining companies are not trustworthy at all (he compares to Monsanto) and asbestos is always present in vermiculite. My research (Google and Wikipedia)would seem to indicate the asbestos is no longer a problem. I have used Vermiculite a lot and it seems to be okay, but then so it seemed with asbestos to many in the mid 20th century.

I am interested in TVille's thoughts.
TIA,
Dick

November 22, 2014	#1
Sodak Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: 5a SD Posts: 253	vermiculite Many years ago there was a mine in Montana (iirc) that had asbestos mingled in with the vermiculite. That caused the asbestos related health problems in the miners. Now the mining companies are supposed to make sure there is no asbestos in vermiculite, as I understand it. There seems to be vermiculite in nearly every prepared potting mix, and it is frequently recommended in "homemade" mixes. I have an acquaintance who is convinced that Vermiculite is always bad and the mining companies are not trustworthy at all (he compares to Monsanto) and asbestos is always present in vermiculite. My research (Google and Wikipedia)would seem to indicate the asbestos is no longer a problem. I have used Vermiculite a lot and it seems to be okay, but then so it seemed with asbestos to many in the mid 20th century. I am interested in TVille's thoughts. TIA, Dick __________________ Fight the good fight, finish the course and keep the faith