Hundreds of thousands of Canadian homes may have a vermiculite insulation product that contains asbestos.

According to Health Canada . . . "Products made from vermiculite ore produced by the Libby Mine were not widely used after the mid-1980's and have not been on the market in Canada for more than 10 years. Not all vermiculite produced before 1990 contains asbestos fibres. However, to be safe and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, it is reasonable to assume that if your building has older vermiculite-based insulation, it may contain some asbestos."

A proposed class action has been filed federally as well as an action for plaintiffs in the province of BC by Merchant Law Group. 

Canadian Zonolite Claims against W.R. Grace must be filed on or before August 31, 2009     

Proposed Federal Class Action (Note: Large PDF file)

Merchant Law Group website - How to join the class

W-FIVE story on this subject

Information from Health Canada

Can Vermiculite Cause Cancer?

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