Asbestos Products

Over the years, asbestos has been used in as many as 5,000 consumer and commercial products and applications. Inexpensive and easily accessible, asbestos is a fibrous mineral once thought useful for its strength, durability, and heat-resistant properties. Health and government officials now know that asbestos is a carcinogen, which can cause a variety of cancers, including lung cancer and mesothelioma , after prolonged exposure. Asbestos is especially dangerous when inhaled in high concentrations.

Asbestos can be found in various structures, such as industrial facilities, homes, and schools built prior to the 1970s, when the government began regulating its use. While asbestos has not been mined in the United States since 2002, it can still be found in various goods and materials imported into the country.

Unfortunately, asbestos products are more common than people suspect. Please refer to the list of common asbestos products below if you are concerned about your risk for asbestos exposure .

Common Asbestos Products

Insulation materials including steam pipes, boilers, furnace ducts, cement sheet, millboard, and paper
Fire- and sound-proofing materials such as acoustical plaster, decorative plaster, textured paint or coatings, fire doors, and fire blankets
Gaskets found in furnaces, wood stoves, coal stoves, and automobiles
Brake pads and linings and clutch facings
Roofing materials including shingles, cement siding, and cement wallboards
Various types of tiling and flooring including vinyl and asphalt
Patching and joint compounds like caulking, putties, adhesives, and thermal taping compounds
Numerous textile and cloth products such as blankets, asbestos gloves, threads, cords, and yarns
Vermiculite garden products including fertilizers, pesticides, potting mixes, and composts
Talc also found in baby powder, cosmetics, and feminine hygiene products

Asbestos Products That May Surprise You

Most consumer products today are asbestos-free. However, until the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in a variety of household appliances. Individuals who like to collect old appliances or fix them up are at risk for asbestos exposure since many older appliances contained asbestos. The following is a list of such asbestos products:

Coffee pots
Toasters
Popcorn poppers
Crock pots
Irons
Hair dryers (especially dangerous because they blow asbestos directly into the air)
Portable heaters
Electric blankets
Ironing board covers

If you developed an asbestos-related condition because of an asbestos product, you may be entitled to recover damages for your losses. Please contact us to speak with an experienced asbestos attorney who can evaluate your case and help you understand your rights. You may be able to obtain compensation for your losses and suffering caused by asbestos.

Related Asbestos Product News

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April 7, 2008 - W.R. Grace to Pay Asbestos Victims $3 Billion