People are often well aware that asbestos is a dangerous material that can lead to fatal cancer and lung disease. The problem, though, is that they simply don’t know all of the ways that asbestos has been used. It’s good to know that it’s dangerous, but where does that danger lie? What materials and products pose a risk? What should you avoid?
If these are questions you’ve been asking, below is a list of many products and materials in which asbestos has been used in the past. In some cases, asbestos may still be used in imported products today, even though use is largely outlawed in the United States.
Of course, not all of these products are contaminated and dangerous, but this gives you a good idea where to start. Products include:
- Home insulation
- Potting soil
- Cement pies
- Heating boilers
- Car components like the clutch, the brakes and the transmission
- Automobile brake pads
- Electrical wire conduits
- Containers for corrosive chemicals
- Pads designed to protected against heat
- Electric motors
- Furniture in laboratories
- Pipe coverings
- Coating materials and sealants
- Products used in roofing
- Curtains and other textiles
- Vinyl tile
- Corrugated sheeting
In-home dangers, especially in older homes, often involve tiles and insulation. Both of these may be removed during a renovation, and doing so without proper care can release asbestos fibers into the air. This makes them extremely dangerous when they’re inhaled.
Are you suffering from chronic illness or even terminal cancer due to your asbestos exposure? It is very important to know all of your legal rights in the face of such a daunting medical diagnosis.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Where Is Asbestos Found?,” accessed Feb. 23, 2018