Commercial or residential buildings with Zonolite attic insulation can claim reimbursement for the vermiculite mineral containing traces of asbestos that is known to have harmful effects. Claims can be filed by such property owners if they incurred expenses on the insulation following which they shall be eligible for reimbursement as mentioned below:
Eligibility For Making Claim: The structure currently owned or rented, or previously owned or rented by claimants should have a Zonolite attic insulation installation against which expenses were incurred to abate, remove, reinsulate or contain the insulation for being eligible to reimbursement from the trust fund.
Proof Of Purchase: Claimants have to provide adequate proof in the form of a Zonolite receipt or invoice, Zonolite bags, or an independent lab test that establishes the fact that they have Zonolite brand vermiculite insulation. Samples can also be sent in for a free-of-cost test if you are unsure about the material used in your home insulation. Claimants are required to submit adequate documentation like a copy of the contractor invoice and proposal, before and after photos, a credit card statement or bank statement, and a copy of a canceled check. It is recommended that the claimants submit all documented allowable expenses for the removal and re-insulation even when the cost exceeds the maximum claim value of $7500.
Potential Claim Amount: Maximum amount payable to a claimant is $4125 and constitutes 55% of the abatement cost up to this maximum ceiling. No compensation shall be provided by the Trust for economic loss or diminution of property value experienced by the claimants.
Case Summary: Vermiculite refers to a naturally-occurring mineral that constitutes shiny flakes and resembles mica. The flakes of vermiculite on being heated at a high temperature can expand 8-30 times of their original size. The odorless, fire-resistant, and lightweight nature of expanded vermiculite has made it a preferred pick of the construction industry and is used in a multitude of products including insulation for walls and attics.
Zonolite is the trademarked name of the naturally-occurring vermiculite mineral mined in Libby. Montana. This mine has served as the source of 70% of all vermiculite sold between 1919 to 1990 in the United States. This vermiculite was used from the 1940s through the 1980s as attic insulation and was installed in millions of United States homes. However, small traces of asbestos were found in the vermiculite mined in Libby which can lead to harmful results if it is disturbed in any way and the particles release into the air. There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure but it is known to cause cancer and similar fatal diseases.
Keeping such health hazards in mind and the inherent cost of replacing vermiculite insulation in the countless homes across the United States, the Zonolite Attic Insulation was funded by W.R.Grace to reimburse claimants for legitimate property damage claims in association with the abatement, removal, and/or containing the vermiculite insulation contaminated with asbestos. Grace was in charge of operating Zonolite company between 1963 and 1990 and settled the asbestos insulation claims following which the independent Zonoliye trust was funded. Claimants can avail of its claim facility to seek partial reimbursement for the expenses incurred on containment or removal of the Zonolite asbestos insulation. Grace has also taken the responsibility to educate the general public about the potential health impacts of vermiculite containing asbestos.
Deadline for Submitting Claim: Claims shall be processed according to the order of their receipt. So, there is no fixed deadline for claim submission. Claimants who have previously submitted a Zonolite vermiculite attic insulation claim alongside first-timers are requested to use the current claim form.
Important Note: The Zonolite insulation trust shall look after abatement claims and people who suffered injury arising from personal exposure to any Grace asbestos products like Zononlite asbestos insulation can contact Mark T. Hurford at (302) 426-1900 x102 or [email protected] to obtain information regarding a separate fund.
Claims Administrator
ZAI Trust
317 Wingo Way
Suite 303
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: (844) 924-2255
Fax: (843) 388-3790
[email protected]