Asbestos Products

Asbestos is a mineral substance that occurs naturally in our environment. Asbestos has a long history of useful applications, as it is one of few minerals that have a fibrous structure that can be woven into fabric, rope, and added into other products to add strength and flexibility.

Asbestos is highly heat and chemical resistant. This is why asbestos is used in so many insulation applications. Asbestos fibers can be broken down to microscopic size. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause to asbestos cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Asbestos Products

The following is a list of products that commonly contain asbestos:

• Roofing shingles
• Felt and tar joint compound
• Cement pipes
• Wall board
• Ceiling tiles
• Siding gaskets
• Laboratory hoods
• Mastics and sealants
• Brake linings
• Fire doors
• Insulation on some wiring
• Cooling towers
• Paint
• Taping compound (thermal)
• Flexible duct connectors
• Greenhouse materials
• Appliance insulation
• Sheet vinyl floor covering
• Plaster sprayed-on fireproofing
• Refractory cement chalk boards
• Insulation on steam pipes
• Heat resistant gloves and suits
• Asbestos blankets
• Cork Board

How Concerned Should I Be?

Asbestos in the home can be of great concern. However, before you begin to remove products that you believe may contain asbestos, exercise caution. If you believe a product contains asbestos, do not tear, saw, or break it apart. The best course of action is to obtain a sample of the product and send it to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to have it analyzed.

Where is Asbestos Found?

In the United States, asbestos has been used in a variety of industries and products. Some examples of products that contain asbestos include:

• Building materials, like cement and plastics
• Heat insulation and fire proofing
• Brake shoes and clutch pads in vehicles and airplanes

There are several general categories into which asbestos-containing materials can be classified:

• Surfacing materials, such as the acoustical material on the ceilings of many homes, schools, and other buildings
• Thermal System Insulation (TSI), such as the wrapping around boilers, pipes, and duct systems
• Other materials, such as floor tile, electrical panel insulation, and caulking

Contact a Lawyer if You Have Been Exposed to Asbestos

It is possible to hold the person or party responsible for your asbestos exposure accountable for their negligent actions. Consult an asbestos lawyer as soon as possible for more information.