Glassbestos is an old insulation product that was a combination of glass and asbestos. Glassbestos was used for its thermal insulation properties, and for its resilience and resistance to rot. A combination of Fiberglas and asbestos is another version of Glassbestos (sometimes spelled "glasbestos"). Glassbestos tape was advertised as being good for applications that needed flexibility, such as for insulating pipes that bend or turn at sharp angles.

In Plumbing and Heating Systems

Glassbestos was still used in the 1940s, and it was installed in many buildings in the United States. Many of these buildings still have the original Glassbestos tape wrapped around the plumbing or heating system piping. These buildings include:

• Schools, including elementary, middle, junior high, and high schools
• Private residences
• Office buildings and other workplaces
• Libraries
• Theaters
• Gymnasiums and recreation centers

Asbestos Fibers in the Air

When any asbestos product (including Glassbestos) is installed or removed, there is a danger that the asbestos fibers will be released from the product. These fibers are so small that they are not visible to the naked eye, and they are so lightweight that they stay suspended in the air for hours or even days. When people inadvertently inhale these asbestos fibers, the fibers may lodge in their lungs or other internal organs. This is the potential beginning of asbestos-caused diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Workers and Their Families at Risk

When a worker spends years or decades installing, repairing or removing asbestos-containing products such as Glassbestos, he or she may be subjected to a dangerous level of asbestos. The disease that has then been initiated may take decades to reveal itself. In addition, the spouse and/or family members of the worker may be exposed to asbestos fibers that are brought home on the worker's clothing, shoes, and hair. Many cases of asbestos-caused disease in spouses have already been documented.

Find Out More about Glassbestos and Asbestos Diseases

When an asbestos-related disease has impacted you or your family member, you are likely to have many questions. We’re here to help. Contact us today to have your questions answered.