There have been many articles in the news about vermiculite and its production at a mine in Libby, Montana. Because of its unique geological soil formation, it was later discovered that the vermiculite produced at the Libby mine contained asbestos fibers. Because of the discovery the plant was closed, and vermiculite was mined in other parts of the world. You may be curious as to why there is still vermiculite production if it has asbestos in it. That is because vermiculite DOES NOT have dangerous levels of asbestos in it, unless mined in certain types of earth.
However some products in older homes may have vermiculite materials containing the more dangerous levels of asbestos. It is recommended that the materials be tested and handled by a professional. Do not attempt to handle the problem yourself. Disturbing asbestos material can release the fibers into the air, leading to inhalation.