Products that Contain Asbestos

Asbestos, known for causing mesothelioma, was used in a wide range of products in the 20th century.

Asbestos was used in a wide range of products in the 20th century, from construction materials, to insulation on navy ships. Asbestos also has been documented to contaminate talcum powder in its various forms. Today, asbestos exposure has been linked to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural disease.

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List of Products Contaminated with Asbestos

From construction materials to everyday household items, many products included asbestos due to its heat resistance and durability. The types of asbestos containing products range from home and commercial building materials like floor and ceiling tiles to automotive products such as brake pads and linings and industrial products including sealants, cement, insulation and more. The following products that may contain or have contained asbestos in the past include:

Asbestos in Adhesives, Cements and Sealers

Asbestos Paper, Rollboard and Millboard

Asbestos in Cars and Brakes

Asbestos in Cement Pipes, Cement Boards and Sheets

Asbestos in Electrical and Mechanical Products

Asbestos in Flooring and Floor Tiles

Asbestos in Home Use Products

Asbestos in Insulation and Pipe Covering

Asbestos in Laboratory Equipment

Asbestos in Packing, Packing Materials and Plastics

Asbestos in Panels, Wallboard, Wallcoverings

Asbestos in Plasters, Paints, Clay and Compounds

Asbestos in Protective Clothing

Asbestos in Protective Coatings and Fireproofing

Raw Asbestos

Asbestos in Refractory Products

Asbestos in Roofing, Shingles and Siding

Asbestos in Rope, Wick, Cord, Tape and Cork

Asbestos in Textiles, Felts and Cloth

Uncovering Asbestos in Products

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once renowned for its heat resistance and durability, was widely utilized in products across a vast array of industries. When products with asbestos deteriorate or are disturbed, though, they often release asbestos fibers into the air.

Inhaling or ingesting these fibers can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and suspect asbestos exposure, contact our experienced mesothelioma attorneys for a free consultation.

Timeline of Asbestos Usage

The discovery of its carcinogenic properties in the mid-1940s led to increased awareness of the associated health risks of asbestos. But this did not discourage asbestos companies from mining, manufacturing and distributing it until its partial ban in 1989.

• Late 1800s: Asbestos mining begins in the U.S. and Canada. The mineral is used in a variety of industrial applications due to its heat and chemical resistant properties.
• Early 1900s: Asbestos becomes a common ingredient in a wide range of products, including insulation, fireproofing materials, automotive parts and construction materials.
• 1930s: A medical article links asbestos exposure to lung disease for the first time.
• 1940s-1970s: Asbestos use peaks during World War II and continues through the 1970s. It is widely used in shipbuilding, construction and the automotive industry.
• 1960s: Workers who developed asbestosis and mesothelioma file the first lawsuits against asbestos companies.
• 1971: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists asbestos as a hazardous air pollutant, leading to regulations on its use.
• 1973: The first asbestos ban in the U.S. prohibits the use of spray-applied asbestos products for fireproofing and insulating.
• 1989: The EPA issues the Asbestos Ban and Phase-Out Rule, which aimed to impose a full ban on the manufacturing, importation, processing and sale of products with asbestos. However, much of this rule was overturned in a 1991 court decision.
• Early 2000s: Many companies that produced products with asbestos have declared bankruptcy due to the large number of asbestos-related lawsuits.
• Present Day: Asbestos is not completely banned in the U.S., but its use is heavily regulated. Asbestos-related diseases continue to be a significant public health issue due to past exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What products still contain asbestos today?

While the use of asbestos has been heavily regulated, it's not completely banned in the United States. Some products, such as certain construction materials and automotive parts, may still contain asbestos.

Why was asbestos used in products?

Asbestos was widely used in products for several reasons, primarily due to its exceptional heat resistance, durability and insulating properties. These qualities made asbestos a desirable component in various industries, including construction, automotive and manufacturing. It provided strength and fire resistance to materials, making them more resistant to heat, electrical conductivity and chemical damage.

What products have asbestos in them?

While the use of asbestos in new products is highly restricted or prohibited in many countries, older products or certain specialized applications may still contain asbestos. Examples of such products include some automobile components like brake pads and clutch facings; certain construction materials like insulation and roofing materials in older buildings; and specific industrial applications involving equipment with asbestos-containing parts.

Is asbestos still used in construction products?

The use of asbestos in construction products has been significantly reduced and heavily regulated in many countries due to its known health risks. While it is not completely banned in all jurisdictions, the presence of asbestos in new construction products is rare.