During which primary historical period was vermiculite frequently utilized for attic insulation?
Answer
Between the 1940s and the early 1990s.
The widespread commercial use of vermiculite specifically for insulating residential attics peaked during a significant historical window. Its excellent thermal properties and light weight made it a popular choice for insulating homes across North America for many decades. This heavy usage period generally spanned from the 1940s, shortly after World War II, until approximately the early 1990s. This timeframe is critical because materials installed during this era are the most likely candidates to contain the historically known asbestos contamination, particularly from sources like the Libby mine.
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