Products That Could Still Contain Some Amount of Asbestos

Asbestos is heavily regulated, but it has never been completely banned in the U.S. In fact, there are certain products that might still contain some level of asbestos. Below, you can learn more about the types of asbestos-containing products you might encounter.

If you have been injured due to contact with asbestos-containing products, you may be entitled to compensation. Request a free, no obligation consultation with our Virginia mesothelioma lawyers today.

Potentially Dangerous Products

The reason asbestos was used so often for so many years is that it is a strong, durable mineral that is resistant to heat. This made it perfect for many products, and some of these products are still made with some amount of asbestos, including:

Insulation

While newer and better types of insulation exist, asbestos can still be found in some newer insulation types. Modern insulation products are only allowed to be made with up to one percent asbestos – much lower than older asbestos insulation.

When correctly installed, encased and left alone, exposure risks associated with new asbestos insulation are low. Exposure could occur during remodeling, construction or demolition. If you are remodeling your home and you discover asbestos, be careful not to disturb it, that is how people get exposed. It does not take much for asbestos fibers to get trapped in your lungs and eventually cause serious health problems.

Vehicle Components

Asbestos is commonly used in vehicle components to this day. Mechanics and other automotive industry workers are especially susceptible to asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma. Asbestos vehicle components can be found on cars, trucks, motorcycles, helicopters, airplanes and ships.

Vehicle components containing asbestos include:

Asbestos is typically used in components that require protection from heat, fire or high friction.

Construction Materials

New construction materials such as roofing tile, piping, vinyl tile flooring, coatings, corrugated sheeting and prefabricated cement are likely to contain asbestos. Workers in the construction industry as well as anyone who tackles home improvement products are at risk of exposure.

Asbestos was widely used in construction materials prior to 1980. Homes built before 1980 may contain asbestos in insulation, plaster, floor tiles and paint. Damage to these components can expose the household to asbestos, and special care must be taken to deal with these materials and avoid exposure.

Potting Soils & Fertilizer

Vermiculite is a substance commonly found in potting soils and fertilizer. This silicate mineral is often found near asbestos deposits, therefore it can easily become contaminated with asbestos when mined. When using potting soil or fertilizer, wear a mask to avoid exposure to asbestos fibers.

Fire Safety Products

Asbestos is naturally fire retardant. Because of asbestos’ fibrous makeup, it is easily woven into material and used as fireproofing. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) does allow asbestos for use in specialized fireproof clothing for firefighters and industries such as glass blowing.

Asbestos is also found in fireproof products such as fire curtains and blankets, as well as spray-on coatings.

Laboratory Equipment

Laboratory fire safety equipment may also contain asbestos, due to its fireproof qualities. Protective jackets and gloves may contain asbestos, exposing the user to these harmful particles.

Some laboratory tabletops and hoods may also be fabricated using asbestos. Care should be exercised when cleaning or using laboratory equipment that contains asbestos.

Talcum Powder

Talcum powder is a commonly used personal hygiene product due to its ability to absorb moisture. Talc is a natural mineral and talc deposits are often located near asbestos. When talc is mined, asbestos contamination may occur.

In addition to talcum powder, talc is found in other products such as makeup. Users of talc-containing personal hygiene products are at risk of exposure.

Contact The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl Now

If you have been harmed due to asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl offers free, no obligation consultations so you can learn your legal rights and your options for pursuing compensation.

There are no upfront fees or costs and payment is only due if we recover compensation in your case.

Call 410-244-7005 or fill out our Free Case Review form now.