Document 1yDNJjoab0KvGBrOERMerRNRX

GRACE TO: File FROM: R. C. Ericson Construction Products Division DATE: February 28, 1986 r On Friday, February 21, 1986 (mid afternoon) I handled a call from Mrs. Linda Hopkins. She was calling from Connecticut (203-643-6818). Mrs. Hopkins' specific question to me was, is there anything in Zonolite that would cause severe allergic reaction? She was very excited, and said that her children were having breathing difficulties, and her husband also reported similar symptons. Through extended questioning of Mrs. Hopkins, I developed the following picture of the situation: a The Hopkins' had bought an 85 year old house some months ago. During heavy rain storms, water leaks into the house at several points. They contacted the previous owner, and learned that he had poured "Zonolite" purchased at Grossmans into the walls between the joists to insulate the house. This insulation is now soaking wet, and is giving off a musty odor. The situation is so extreme, that they are ripping laths and plaster from the inside walls to get the Vermiculite out (it appeared that they had already removed a significant amount in this manner). I made the following statements to Mrs. Hopkins: 1) Vermiculite is an inorganic material. 2) There are no chemical coatings on it (I was stating this on the assumption that the previous owner had bought attic insulation without CMC binder on it). 3) I suggested the possibility that odors might have come from mold growing in the wet conditions within the wall space. I asked if she had seen any evidence of mold, and she said yes she thought they had. 4) I expressed sympathy and concern for the mess she had on her hands. In search of a more positive note for closing the conversation, I suggested that she send me a sample of the wet Vermiculite that was giving off the offending odor. I suggested that she package it in a Polyethylene bag. I gave her my name and address. RCE:at R. C. Ericson 15184141