Eco-responsible suggestions for installing insulation
The vermiculite produced between 1920 and 1990 may contain amphibole asbestos, which has been linked to lung cancer and cancer of the chest cavity. Vermiculite installed in wall cavities and attics poses little health risk if it is not disturbed. If you must handle vermiculite during insulation work, first read the Health Canada safety sheet.
Avoid compressing insulation during installation: this reduces its thermal capacity, which is dependent on its thickness.
Pay careful attention not to leave uninsulated spaces where air can infiltrate, such as around doors and windows, in crawl spaces, around openings for pipes and wires, and around thermal bridges such as concrete balconies or steel beams.
Many kinds of insulation can be irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract during handling. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and installation instructions and protect yourself adequately.
Some kinds of insulation, such as spray or blown-in insulation, require a lot of expertise to be applied safely and properly. Call on specialized contractors.