It's odd that no-one had pointed out Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance. We managed to make a right mess of turning it into something 'better', though. I think these scares occur simply because you can't rely on big business to act in your best interests, it's so far behind the need to generate money that products like Vermiculite exist only to force themselves a niche in a market. Many examples exist in the form of herbicides, like Glyphosate that now appears likely to be carcinogenic. No, you might not die from eating one thing sprayed with the stuff but years of consumption, every day? Who really knows? It's not like cancer rates are declining.
Asbestos in Vermiculite Garden Products (taken from Asbestos Network)
Because it provides aeration and drainage, vermiculite has been used in fertilizers, pesticides, potting mixes, and composts. However, this mica ore may contain asbestos. In a study of gardening products containing vermiculite, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found trace amounts of asbestos in 17 of 38 products tested (Sampling and Analysis of Consumer Garden Products that Contain Vermiculite, EPA, August 2000). Four of these products contained substantial amounts of asbestos: Schultz's Horticultural Vermiculite, Earthgro's Best Vermiculite, Hoffman's Vermiculite and Ace Horticultural Grade Vermiculite.
Although the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission believe that the potential hazard to consumers is low, many consumer advocates disagree (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, August 23, 2000). They point out that garden products are not labeled for asbestos content, and that the EPA has found it necessary to issue instructions concerning vermiculite in garden products. The EPA recommendations include using premixed potting soils, which are moist and less likely to generate dust, and using alternatives to vermiculite such as peat, sawdust, perlite or bark. The agency also recommends that gardeners who do use straight vermiculite keep the material damp, use it in a well-ventilated area, and avoid getting vermiculite dust on their clothing.
Rather strange to dig up an old thread, particularly a rather controversial one and then to make it your first post. Most people might try an introduction, or a question about an unknown plant in their garden.
How can you lie there and think of England When you don't even know who's in the team
Posts
Just don’t breathe it in either, Vermiculite or Perlite, wait to use it on a calm day as well.
What ever happened to the teaching of science in our schools.
'You must have some bread with it me duck!'
Last edited: 18 October 2017 18:25:29
In the sticks near Peterborough
My interest in Geology and an A level in Geography has helped . (C1966)
'You must have some bread with it me duck!'
It's odd that no-one had pointed out Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance. We managed to make a right mess of turning it into something 'better', though. I think these scares occur simply because you can't rely on big business to act in your best interests, it's so far behind the need to generate money that products like Vermiculite exist only to force themselves a niche in a market. Many examples exist in the form of herbicides, like Glyphosate that now appears likely to be carcinogenic. No, you might not die from eating one thing sprayed with the stuff but years of consumption, every day? Who really knows? It's not like cancer rates are declining.
Asbestos in Vermiculite Garden Products (taken from Asbestos Network)
Because it provides aeration and drainage, vermiculite has been used in fertilizers, pesticides, potting mixes, and composts. However, this mica ore may contain asbestos. In a study of gardening products containing vermiculite, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found trace amounts of asbestos in 17 of 38 products tested (Sampling and Analysis of Consumer Garden Products that Contain Vermiculite, EPA, August 2000). Four of these products contained substantial amounts of asbestos: Schultz's Horticultural Vermiculite, Earthgro's Best Vermiculite, Hoffman's Vermiculite and Ace Horticultural Grade Vermiculite.
Although the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission believe that the potential hazard to consumers is low, many consumer advocates disagree (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, August 23, 2000). They point out that garden products are not labeled for asbestos content, and that the EPA has found it necessary to issue instructions concerning vermiculite in garden products. The EPA recommendations include using premixed potting soils, which are moist and less likely to generate dust, and using alternatives to vermiculite such as peat, sawdust, perlite or bark. The agency also recommends that gardeners who do use straight vermiculite keep the material damp, use it in a well-ventilated area, and avoid getting vermiculite dust on their clothing.
Most people might try an introduction, or a question about an unknown plant in their garden.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border