What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural mineral that can be mined and used as an insulating material. Asbestos was used in many industrial, commercial, and construction materials in the past. It is a known human carcinogen and causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other illnesses.

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Facts About Asbestos

• Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals found in deposits in the ground, especially in certain types of rocks, like serpentine.
• Asbestos minerals are made up of bundles of long, thin fibers that easily break apart.
• Asbestos is strong, lightweight, flexible, and an excellent insulator.
• It resists heat but also electricity, fire, and many chemical reactions.
• People have been using asbestos for these properties for thousands of years.
• Larger-scale asbestos mining and use began with the industrial age of the 1800s.
• Peak asbestos use in the U.S. occurred between the 1930s and 1970s.
• Asbestos exposure causes cancer and illness in some people.
• Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and asbestos exposure is the only known cause.
• Asbestos has not been banned in the U.S., but its use is severely restricted.
• The construction industry used asbestos more than almost any other industry.
• Although most industries no longer use asbestos, it lingers in older buildings.
• Asbestos was once mined in the U.S. and Canada but now mostly comes from Russia, China, and Kazakhstan.

Major Suppliers and Manufacturers of Asbestos

Asbestos found its way into numerous industries thanks to a variety of manufacturers who heavily used it in their products. Initially, asbestos was predominantly used for insulating steam engines, pipes, and locomotives. Over time, its application expanded significantly, and it became a staple in the production of boilers, gaskets, cement, roofing shingles, and automotive brake pads.

Key Industry Players

• Large Corporations: Several major corporations dominated the asbestos supply market. These companies were instrumental in developing and distributing asbestos products on a large scale.
• Manufacturing Giants: Some of the largest manufacturers specialized in creating products such as insulation materials, cement, and various automotive components. These businesses recognized asbestos for its heat-resistant properties but often overlooked its health risks.
• Diverse Product Range: The companies involved were not limited to only one type of product. Their portfolios included materials crucial for industrial and consumer applications alike.

These manufacturers were at the forefront, supplying a wide array of asbestos-containing products and knowingly exposing workers, consumers, and the environment to the associated hazards. While the benefits for industries were clear, the long-term impact on health was profound and far-reaching.

Types of Asbestos

There are six types of asbestos minerals:

• Tremolite: Tremolite asbestos is generally found in certain talcum powders but usually wasn’t used commercially. Additionally, this type of asbestos was used in vermiculite as well as products containing vermiculite. Tremolite is in the family of amphibole asbestos; a mineral with long and thin fibers. Colors range from dark green to off-white.

• Amosite: Amosite asbestos is commonly known as “brown asbestos” because of its brownish-gray color. Amosite was the 2nd most frequently used asbestos commercially, and also one the deadliest, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It was widely used in thermal insulation products, ceiling tiles, spray coatings, and motor industry asbestos plastics.

• Chrysotile: The serpentine asbestos chrysotile was the most commonly used asbestos in the United States. It’s referred to as “white asbestos” because of its color, and according to the EPA, is another one of the deadliest types of asbestos. Per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, chrysotile was confirmed to be linked to malignant mesothelioma and other forms of asbestos cancer. Chrysotile was mainly used in sheets, pipes, and shingles. Other additional products that may contain chrysotile are textiles, rubber sealants, brake pads for motor vehicles, textiles, and asphalt.

• Crocidolite: Crocidolite, also referred to as “blue asbestos,” was used the least commercially. Crocidolite is the most harmful type of asbestos in the amphibole group. Crocidolite was mined by workers, usually in Australia and South Africa. According to the EPA, at least 18% of those miners have died from long-term exposure. This type of asbestos was used mainly for cement products due to its ability to add durability and strength. It was rarely used for fire resistance or insulation as this type of asbestos is not nearly as heat resistant as some of the more popular types.

• Anthophyllite: Anthophyllite is another type of asbestos in the amphibole family. It’s one of the lesser-known asbestos, yet it can be just as dangerous if inhaled. Anthophyllite’s long and sharp fibers are easily ingested and can get lodged in the chest area. This type of asbestos has been linked to lung cancer. It can be found in talc mines all across the world.

• Actinolite: Although actinolite was rarely used commercially, it has been found in certain paint products, sealants, drywall, and even toys. Part of the amphibole group, actinolite is dense and brittle and can be easily ingested and become stuck in the chest and abdominal area. Long-term exposure has been linked to both lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Asbestos can also be categorized as friable or non-friable. Friable is asbestos that crumbles easily and reduces fibers. This is more dangerous than non-friable asbestos, which stays intact and doesn’t readily release harmful fibers.

Friable asbestos products included spray-on insulation and fireproofing, drywall, plaster, and popcorn ceilings. Examples of non-friable asbestos include roofing and flooring materials, cement sheets, and transite panels.

Does All Asbestos Cause Cancer?

Asbestos is bad for human health. It is a carcinogen, meaning exposure to it can cause cancer. It can also cause non-cancerous health conditions, particularly respiratory conditions.

All of the types of asbestos can cause cancer. Non-friable asbestos that is well encapsulated and maintained is unlikely to cause exposure and put people at risk for cancer.

Asbestos-Related Illnesses

Asbestos exposure causes cancer, but it can also cause non-cancerous diseases. The illnesses associated with asbestos exposure include:

• Mesothelioma. Most often associated with asbestos, mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissue that lines organs in the body. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the chest cavity and is the most common form. Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal cavity. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma.
• Lung cancer. Lung cancer is much more common than mesothelioma, but it can be caused by other things, such as smoking. Asbestos has been associated with the development of lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers.
• Other cancers. Mesothelioma can also cause or contribute to pharynx, larynx, and ovarian cancers.
• Asbestosis. Asbestosis is a non-cancerous but progressive disease of the lungs. It causes scarring in lung tissue that cannot be reversed.
• Pleural plaques and thickening. Areas of thickened tissue around the lungs caused by asbestos are not malignant. However, these areas can become cancerous.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Like lung cancer, there are other causes of COPD, but asbestos exposure may contribute to it.
• What Are the First Signs of Asbestos Exposure?
• Initial exposure to asbestos doesn’t immediately produce noticeable symptoms. This makes it difficult for individuals to realize they’ve been affected early on. However, as asbestos-related conditions start to develop, certain signs and symptoms can emerge.
• Early Symptoms to Watch For:
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty in breathing is often one of the first indicators that asbestos has affected the lungs.
• Persistent Dry Cough: A cough that doesn’t seem to go away could be an early sign of asbestos-induced lung damage.
• Chest or Abdominal Discomfort: Pain in these areas may suggest early development of asbestos-related diseases.
• These early signs are often subtle and can be mistaken for less serious conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms and have a history of asbestos exposure, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly for assessment and advice.

How Was Asbestos Used?

Asbestos was used most heavily in the construction industry but also in these types of workplaces:

• Manufacturing facilities
• Chemical plants
• Shipyards
• Power plants
• Oil refineries
• Automotive plants and mechanics shops
• Steel mills and ironworks

Asbestos was used primarily as an insulator. It was used in many industries that generated heat and in construction to insulate and fireproof buildings. Some of the many materials and products made with asbestos in the past include:

• Insulation
• Pipes and insulating pipe wrapping
• Cement
• Textiles
• Flooring tiles
• Roofing materials
• Adhesives
• Caulking
• Drywall
• Gaskets
• Valves
• Brakes
• Clutches
• Duct connectors

Major Suppliers and Manufacturers of Asbestos

Asbestos found its way into numerous industries thanks to a variety of manufacturers who heavily used it in their products. Initially, asbestos was predominantly used for insulating steam engines, pipes, and locomotives. Over time, its application expanded significantly, and it became a staple in the production of boilers, gaskets, cement, roofing shingles, and automotive brake pads.

Key Industry Players

• Large Corporations: Several major corporations dominated the asbestos supply market. These companies were instrumental in developing and distributing asbestos products on a large scale.
• Manufacturing Giants: Some of the largest manufacturers specialized in creating products such as insulation materials, cement, and various automotive components. These businesses recognized asbestos for its heat-resistant properties but often overlooked its health risks.
• Diverse Product Range: The companies involved were not limited to only one type of product. Their portfolios included materials crucial for industrial and consumer applications alike.

These manufacturers were at the forefront, supplying a wide array of asbestos-containing products and knowingly exposing workers, consumers, and the environment to the associated hazards. While the benefits for industries were clear, the long-term impact on health was profound and far-reaching.

Who Is at Risk for Asbestos Exposure?

Workers in the past were at a much higher risk of asbestos exposure. Workers today might encounter asbestos, but it is less likely. They are also more likely to be aware of asbestos and to have training and safety gear.

Some of the occupations that put past workers at high risk of asbestos exposure include:

• Construction workers
• Pipefitters
• Boilermakers
• Shipyard workers
• U.S. Navy service members
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Steelworkers
• Auto mechanics
• Railroad workers
• Miners

These workers are still at risk of mesothelioma today. Asbestos illnesses take decades to develop. Workers who have long retired may be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Some workers today are still at risk of asbestos exposure:

• Repair and renovation workers
• Demolition workers
• Plumbers
• Insulation workers
• HVAC workers
• Auto mechanics
• Firefighters

Is Asbestos Still Used Today?

Medical experts have long known that asbestos is dangerous for people, especially those exposed to it for an extended period. Many manufacturers stopped using it after the health risks and mesothelioma symptoms came to light.

The phase-out of asbestos began when significant medical evidence linked asbestos to cancer. In the 1960s, medical studies confirmed asbestos causes mesothelioma, prompting labor unions to fight back. An important milestone occurred in 1973 when an asbestos insulator won the first major asbestos lawsuit. By the 1980s, American companies phased out most uses of asbestos, although it was too late for many workers who had already been exposed for decades.

Asbestos manufacturers continued to put workers in danger. They didn’t necessarily warn companies and their employees of the risks. During the 1930s, some asbestos companies conducted secret research on health effects and kept the results hidden. As early as 1927, a worker filed the first known workers’ compensation claim for asbestos-related disease.

The history of asbestos cover-ups stretches back to the late 19th century. By the mid-20th century, asbestos use was widespread, while evidence of its dangers was steadily mounting.

Key Events in the Asbestos Industry’s Deception

• 1898: The death of H.W. Johns from lung scarring marked an early indication of the hazards associated with asbestos.
• : An autopsy in England documented the first death from asbestosis, a disease directly linked to asbestos exposure.
• 1924: Research began to connect asbestos with severe health issues, laying the groundwork for identifying it as a carcinogen.
• 1929: Workers started voicing health complaints related to asbestos, with some employees even taking their grievances to their employers.
• 1940s: Despite internal experiments revealing cancer in asbestos-exposed mice, the industry worked to suppress these findings.
• 1955: A critical study highlighted elevated rates of lung cancer among asbestos workers.

Throughout these decades, internal records revealed that companies were aware of the health risks associated with asbestos. Yet, they persisted in manufacturing and using these toxic materials. This negligence led to a growing number of lawsuits from asbestos disease victims seeking justice for their suffering.

The asbestos industry’s choices were guided largely by profit, putting countless lives at risk while information about the dangers remained hidden from the public eye. As the truth emerged, regulatory bodies began to respond, but only after decades of unchecked corporate malfeasance.

Today, asbestos is rarely used in any industry. One industry that still uses asbestos is the manufacturing of chlorine. Chlor-alkali plants use asbestos in a specific type of filter.

Another ongoing use of asbestos is in automotive brakes and clutches. New cars do not contain asbestos, but imported aftermarket parts often do.

Construction was the heaviest user of asbestos in the past. While new construction materials no longer contain asbestos, many older buildings still have asbestos components in them. Most of the asbestos that remains in buildings today is legacy asbestos. Asbestos is safe if undisturbed, but renovations, demolition, fire, or natural disasters can release its fibers. These microscopic fibers can become airborne and be inhaled, posing a continuing risk.

In some instances, asbestos manufacturers continued to put workers in danger. They didn’t necessarily warn companies and their employees of the risks.

Today, asbestos is rarely used in any industry. One industry that still uses asbestos is the manufacturing of chlorine. Chlor-alkali plants use asbestos in a specific type of filter. Another ongoing use of asbestos is in automotive brakes and clutches. New cars do not contain asbestos, but imported aftermarket parts often do. Construction was the heaviest user of asbestos in the past. While new construction materials no longer contain asbestos, many older buildings still have asbestos components in them.

Asbestos mining in the United States reached its peak in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with more than 299 million pounds produced annually. However, as awareness of its health risks increased, mining activity steadily declined. By 2002, the last asbestos mine in the U.S. Had closed.

Despite the end of domestic mining, asbestos is still mined in other parts of the world and continues to be imported into the U.S. Under certain restrictions. Notably, a ban on chrysotile asbestos was enacted in 2024, although a complete ban on asbestos does not yet exist.

The decline in mining and regulatory changes reflect the global shift away from asbestos use, yet some industries persist in utilizing this hazardous material. Understanding both the historical context and current applications of asbestos provides a comprehensive view of its ongoing impact and the efforts to reduce its presence in everyday products.

Where Is Asbestos Found Today?

Even though asbestos has been banned from being used in most places of employment in the U.S. and other countries, it can still be found in many homes, buildings, and industrial workplaces built before the law prevented its use.

The most common places where asbestos can be found are ceiling and floor tiles, pipe and boiler insulation, shingles, plasters, and joint compounds.

Public and government buildings also often contain asbestos. Older school buildings usually have asbestos. School districts are not required to remove it, but they must conduct regular inspections and create safety plans to protect staff and students.

How to Protect Yourself From Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is much less risky today than in the past, but it still causes harm. Far too much asbestos was used in the past to completely eliminate it from all homes, public buildings, and workplaces. Know where asbestos is and how to avoid exposure to stay safe.

Asbestos Safety Regulations in the Workplace

Employers at workplaces that contain asbestos must follow strict federally mandated requirements with no exceptions. Workers cannot be exposed to more than 0.1 fibers of asbestos per cubic foot during a regular work shift, typically 8 hours. Rotating different employees to meet this guideline is strictly prohibited. Additionally, all workers who can potentially come in contact with an even small amount of asbestos must be able to get a medical exam every 30 days, provided by their employers. Further, protective clothing and hygiene products must be available at all times. If you work somewhere with asbestos, take all training available and use the safety gear your employer provides. Never go home in clothing contaminated with asbestos.

Asbestos regulation extends beyond the workplace and includes standards for using, handling, and removing legacy asbestos. These laws are in place to safeguard public health and are enforced at local, state, and federal levels to minimize exposure risks. This framework not only protects workers but also consumers and the environment.

Procedures for dealing with asbestos involve rigorous approaches, including testing and safe disposal methods. Continuous monitoring and enforcement ensure compliance, reducing hazards related to asbestos exposure.

While American companies have ceased manufacturing asbestos-containing building materials, other nations still incorporate asbestos into their products. Imported items such as roofing materials, joint compounds, and gaskets may contain asbestos, necessitating ongoing vigilance and regulation.

Globally, efforts to ban asbestos are underway, with significant attention given to phasing out its use. For instance, a planned ban on chrysotile asbestos, the only type currently imported into the U.S., reflects progress toward eliminating this hazardous material. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to safer alternatives like polyurethane foam and cellulose fiber, offering low-cost and effective substitutes. These materials provide a range of options for replacing asbestos, each with unique properties and applications:

• Polyurethane Foam:
  • Form/Composition: Available in foam blocks, sheets, or spray-on forms.
  • Qualities: Excellent for molding to fill cracks and gaps, providing seamless insulation.
  • Products: Commonly used as insulation or filler in thermal products.
• Cellulose Fiber:
  • Form/Composition: Made from plant-based materials, such as shredded newspaper, wood, or leaves.
  • Qualities: Chemically treated to improve heat and fire resistance.
  • Products: Often used in insulation, offering an eco-friendly alternative.
• Woven Cloth:
  • Form/Composition: Typically sold in large sheets that can be tailored to size.
  • Qualities: Offers resistance to chemicals, heat, and abrasion.
  • Products: Integrated into fireproof gear and thermal barriers.
• Natural Combinations:
  • Form/Composition: Includes products like wheat flour, rice flour, cork, or wood flour mixed with a binding agent.
  • Qualities: Effective for sealing and insulating when poured into cracks and crevices.
  • Products: Used in sealing and insulating applications.

These alternatives not only address safety concerns but also align with modern environmental standards, offering versatile solutions across various industries.

How to Stay Safe From Asbestos in the Home

Although it’s much rarer these days for workers to come into contact with asbestos, exposure still happens when older buildings, insulation, flooring, and other parts containing asbestos need to be repaired or replaced.

If any part of your home or a building that could potentially contain asbestos has been damaged, you should not clean up or repair the damages yourself. Contact your local Safety and Health Administration.

If you work or live in a building built before the 1980s, do not do anything that will disturb asbestos fibers, such as drilling, cutting, hammering, or sawing in areas where asbestos is located.

Contact a certified asbestos abatement professional if you need parts repaired or removed from these types of houses and buildings.

Employees who deal with asbestos have been professionally trained and are protected while working around the dangerous fibers.

How to Identify Asbestos Products in Homes and Workplaces

Recognizing asbestos-containing products in homes or workplaces is a critical yet challenging task. It’s important to highlight that identifying these products should always be left to trained professionals, as the risks associated with asbestos exposure are significant.

1. Professional Expertise Required:
   Professionals with specialized training are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to accurately identify and manage asbestos. These experts deploy specific techniques to confirm the presence of asbestos in materials.
2. Potential High-Risk Areas:
   Buildings constructed before the 1980s are more likely to contain products featuring asbestos. During that era, asbestos was commonly used in various construction materials due to its fire-resistant properties and durability.
3. Common Materials Containing Asbestos:
   • Insulation: Older homes might have attic and pipe insulation containing asbestos.
   • Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives used before the 1980s could include asbestos fibers.
   • Roofing and Siding: Some shingles and sidings from older buildings are known to contain asbestos.
4. When Asbestos Becomes a Risk:
   Asbestos becomes a health hazard when its fibers are disturbed and become airborne. This typically occurs during renovations, repairs, or natural deterioration over time. Even natural disasters can release fibers from intact materials.
5. Current Regulations and Risks:
   Present-day regulations classify certain products as lower risk if asbestos is intact and correctly contained. However, exposure risks increase significantly when fibers are exposed or damaged.

In conclusion, attempting to identify or manage asbestos without professional help is not advisable. Certified professionals can ensure safety by correctly handling and, if necessary, removing asbestos materials. Prioritizing health over DIY solutions is always the best course of action.

What if I Was Exposed to Asbestos?

While no amount of asbestos exposure is considered safe, a one-time incident will not likely make you sick. If there is a chance you were repeatedly exposed, talk to your doctor. Regular medical screenings are essential for identifying and treating asbestos illnesses early.

Also, consider working with a lawyer to seek compensation. You could be entitled to compensation through a lawsuit or asbestos trust fund.

Asbestos companies are often considered liable for exposure in the past. They knew about the risks of asbestos long before they began warning workers and their employers.

A mesothelioma lawsuit can help you get compensation in the form of a settlement or a jury award. Most of the lawsuits end in settlements.

You cannot sue an asbestos company that went bankrupt. These companies are protected, but they set up asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. You may qualify to make a claim with a trust.

Contact an asbestos law firm if you have a mesothelioma diagnosis. They can help you determine how you encountered asbestos and explain your legal options.

Understanding Secondary Asbestos Exposure

What is Secondary Asbestos Exposure?

Secondary asbestos exposure, often referred to as secondhand exposure, happens when individuals encounter asbestos fibers indirectly. Unlike direct exposure, where individuals work with asbestos-containing materials, secondary exposure involves contact through another person.

How Does Secondary Asbestos Exposure Occur?

Here’s how it typically unfolds:

• Occupational Carriers: Workers dealing with asbestos may unknowingly bring home the dangerous fibers on their clothing, shoes, or hair. Once home, family members and friends can come into contact with these fibers, leading to secondary exposure.
• Contaminated Clothing: Washing the clothes of someone who has been exposed to asbestos can release fibers into the air, further increasing the risk for those handling the laundry.
• Shared Spaces: Even spending time in a shared vehicle or room with someone who has asbestos fibers on them can pose a risk. These fibers can easily become airborne and travel through the air to settle in different areas.

Secondary exposure is a serious concern because it can lead to the same health risks as direct exposure. Being informed and taking precautions is essential to prevent unintended exposure to asbestos.

How Can You Be Tested for Asbestos Exposure?

If you suspect exposure to asbestos, several medical tests are available to determine if its fibers are present in your body. While no test can pinpoint exactly how much asbestos you’ve been exposed to, a few methods can detect its presence.

1. Lung Tissue Examination: A biopsy of lung tissue is one of the most definitive ways. This involves analyzing a sample to see if asbestos fibers are embedded in the lung tissue.
2. Fluid and Sample Analysis:
   • Lung Fluid: Tests on fluid from the lungs can reveal asbestos presence.
   • Urine and Stool Samples: Sometimes, asbestos fibers can be detected in urine or stool, offering additional insight.
   • Mucus Examination: Asbestos may also be found in mucus samples, providing another testing avenue.

While these methods can confirm exposure, it’s important to note they cannot forecast whether an asbestos-related disease will develop. The best course of action if you’re concerned about exposure is to consult with a healthcare professional who can guide you through appropriate testing and further steps.

Asbestos FAQs

What Does Asbestos Do to Humans?

Asbestos gets inside the body through inhalation or ingestion. It causes damage to tissue and cells. In some people, this damage leads to illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.

Why Is Asbestos So Bad?

Mesothelioma is rare, but asbestos is the only known cause. No one should have to suffer from this aggressive cancer because asbestos exposure is preventable. Mesothelioma is most often terminal and causes a lot of painful symptoms.

Can I Get Compensation if I Was Exposed to Asbestos?

If you have a diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation. You must be able to show where you were exposed and the companies responsible. An experienced mesothelioma or asbestos lawyer can help you do that.

Where Could I Be Exposed to Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is less common today than in the past. You might be exposed to it in an older home or other building. You can also find asbestos in aftermarket car parts. Some industrial workplaces might still use asbestos.

Getting Legal Help

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, there is a good chance you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area.