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  • What is Vermiculite?

    Vermiculite is the mineralogical name given to hydrated laminar magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate that resembles mica in appearance. All vermiculite ores contain a range of other minerals that were formed along with the vermiculite in the rock. Vermiculite ores from some sources have been found to contain asbestos minerals but asbestos is…

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  • Is there lead in lipstick?

    Answer: In response to a number of inquiries regarding reports of lead contamination in lipstick, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developed and validated a method for analyzing lead content in currently marketed lipstick. Learn more . Question Number : 23002-33252 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent…

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  • What sources make up the Tier 1 categories used in the emissions trends?

    Tier 1 categories are assigned by source classification codes (SCCs) that are the most specific processes available in the NEI. The latest SCC list with the Tier 1 assignments can be downloaded from the EPA SCC website in Comma Separate Values (CSV) format.

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  • What is the cause of the large decrease in electric utility emissions, particularly sulfur dioxide, starting in 1995?

    SO2 emissions reductions from utilities during this time are primarily attributed to the impacts of the acid rain program. As described on EPA’s Acid Rain Program web page, Phase 1 of this program began in 1995 and affected 263 units at 110 most coal-burning electric utility plants in 21 eastern…

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  • What are some uses of Vermiculite?

    Vermiculite has been used in various industries for over 80 years. It is used in the construction, agricultural, horticultural and industrial markets. Examples of products that contain vermiculite include potting soil mixes, loose fill insulation, and packing material. For more information, visit the EPA webpage: Protect Your Family from Asbestos-Contaminated…

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  • Does a home seller have to disclose to a potential buyer that a home contains asbestos? What about vermiculite?

    Federal law does not require the seller to disclose to a buyer that their home contains asbestos or vermiculite. State or local requirements may require disclosure. Contact your state about such requirements. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School Buildings Information for Owners and Managers of…

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  • Why do mobile source NOx emissions jump higher between 2001 and 2002 on the emissions trends?

    The emissions model used for mobile sources changed from MOBILE6.2 to MOVES 2010 in December 2009. This change included a notable increase in NOx emissions. The EPA adjusted data back to 2002 to reflect the change in models. The higher emissions in 2002 are because of this method change and…

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  • Why do the PM2.5 emissions for the electric utilities source category jump up between 1998 and 1999?

    The estimation method for PM emissions from fuel combustion sources was enhanced beginning with the 1999 National Emissions Inventory. Prior to 1999, the emissions measurement data methodology only included the filterable portion (which means the solid particle matter at elevated stack temperatures). Beginning with the 1999 NEI, both the filterable…

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  • My attic has vermiculite insulation in it. Am I at risk? Should I take it out?

    If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos. The EPA recommends that vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed. Airborne asbestos fibers present a…

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