If you'll notice the dating, that article (and others related) date back to 1999. This is pretty much old news to anyone following this story. The mine - the largest in the US (and of significant size in world ranking) - was closed early in the 90's (WR Grace claims 1990, EPA says 1992) after it was discovered that the vermiculite was contaminated with asbestos. The mine owner, WR Grace, was found negligible in countless personal injury lawsuits (ala Erin Brockovitch), filed bankruptcy and was ultimately indicted (federal criminal charges against the corporation and seven executives) in 2005. Asbestos contamination is not a typical hazard of vermiculite mining - this was an isolated, albeit tragic, instance. Horticultural vermiculite is considered quite safe, although the very fine particles of vermiculite dust can cause respiratory distress if inhaled. But as noted above, vermiculite is a very poor amendment for raised beds or any other type of gardening. Its ability to increase drainage is very limited - it absorbs water rather rapidly and then the pore space is compressed and drainage becomes compromised instead of improved - and there are far better products to increase moisture retention.

Do a search for Libby, Montana. There is a vermiculite mine called W.R. Grace there. The mining company gave vermiculite away to the community for things like insulation, the school track, and for amending soil in lawns. Some people believe they knew of the dangers of asbestos in vermiculite and gave it away anyhow. Now the population of Libby has an abnormally high occurrence of respiratory problems. I believe there is a class action lawsuit against the mine. I use vermiculite occasionally but always moisten it before mixing. A mask doesn't hurt either.

Always use horticultural vermiculite. Unless you are 100% positive that the insulation grade is not toxic and been treated with any type of chemical. I have never seen insulation grade vermiculite recommended for use in the garden. "Horticultural grade vermiculite has become a mainstay as a component of soilless growing mediums, as a soil amendment and in many other horticultural uses for both the commercial and home grower. Use horticultural vermiculite available at garden/horticultural supply stores. Insulation grade vermiculite is often treated with toxic materials that are harmful to plant growth. Vermiculite is the name given to a group of naturally occurring hydrated laminar minerals similar to mica. When processed in special furnaces, the mineral exfoliates (or expands) into the accordion like layered particles familiar to many as a part of soilless growing mixes. The processed product is sterile, permanent, odorless and non- toxic. It has the highly desirable characteristic of being light weight and the capability of moisture and nutrient retention. Three Horticultural Grades Strong-Lite produces and packages three grades of horticultural vermiculite, medium, coarse and extra coarse. The vermiculite is a light, golden color and is processed from imported ore. It has a bulk density of four to six pounds per cubic foot. The medium and extra coarse grades are used when higher aeration characteristics are required, such as amendment of sticky or heavy soils. The medium grade is widely used for plug mixes, finer graded soilless mediums, germination and rooting, and for domestic horticulture. Vermiculite for Seed Germination Medium grade vermiculite is used very successfully as a germination media. It can be used alone or mixed with peat. "Damping off" problems are virtually eliminated by using vermiculite when germinating seeds. Vermiculite germinated seedlings characteristically have a denser root growth which allows the plant to "establish itself" sooner. Vermiculite for Rooting Cuttings Coarse and medium vermiculite are excellent for rooting all types of cuttings. The product may be used straight from the bag, with no other additives. Vermiculite for Outdoor Transplanting Coarse vermiculite serves as an excellent soil amendment for heavy or sticky soils. In these conditions, it is popular to use up to one half the total volume (by bulk and not weight) of vermiculite in the soil to provide proper aeration and drainage. The product will amend light, sandy soils as well when used in the same proportions, providing improved moisture and nutrient retention. Vermiculite amended soil will help outdoor plant root systems to develop faster and penetrate the ground further. Two or three inches of vermiculite placed around the base of shrubs, roses, and garden plants will help prevent drying out and provide insulation for the root system against wide temperature swings. Vermiculite for House Plants Mixed half and half with natural soil or peat, vermiculite provides needed drainage and aeration for potted house plants. This mixture encourages a healthy root growth and an even spread of soil nutrients. Plants potted in this mix will generally require less frequent watering. Vermiculite for Bulb and Tuber Storage The moisture control and insulating characteristics of vermiculite make it an ideal medium for bulb and tuber storage. Pour a few inches of vermiculite in a clean container, then add bulbs or tubers in layers filled with vermiculite."

I keep trying to grow veggies or herbs but I am chronically ill and keep getting Horible infections in my hip especially so I literally have surgery all time now ( the last 3yrs have been the worst) so when I start to feel better seasons pass or I start and boom I have to go to the hospital and have a extensive surgery etc..( seriously my hip has hole that is over 350 cubic centimeters around and deep! I could fit my hand in it at first. Ouch at 27 it's really a bitch) anyway I'm healing and I wanted to start some lavender, and other healing herbs and have them on my deck then inside when it cools down I'm from MN. Now I hear you have to buy vermiculite and make or buy compost!! Is this necessary? Or could I do compost and miracle grow potting soil,sand and rocks/orpebbles? Does anyone have advice????i have seeds and my doc and grief/pain counselor think this would be great for me to do since I'm homebound, family&basically friendless now besides my BF. Also I love gardens and herbs etc... seriously any advice on growing my lavender and herbs from seeds indoors or in pots on deck with out spending $$$&$ Or buying so many products. I mean can it grow from seeds w/ the pointing soul l, compost, sand, rocks etc.. thank you so much! I appreciate any and all advice!!!! btw sorry for the personal stuff, it's just more difficult for me to go out and get it or afford it even w/being so ill and exspensive treatment&Med bills w/out working now.