Products Which Contain Asbestos
The danger of asbestos is well known and many Americans are under the impression that the substance has been banned and is no longer used in the products they purchase. Unfortunately, asbestos can still be found in plenty of items on the shelves in stores today. The number and variety of products that contain asbestos is astounding. There is no labeling requirement for asbestos, so, no way for consumers to know if they are buying a contaminated product that could cause Asbestosis.
Asbestos is heat and fire-resistant. It is flexible, strong, resistant to corrosion, and makes a great insulator. It has been used in thousands of products, many of which are probably in your home today. Asbestos has been used since the 1800's and it did not take long for the health risks to surface. Even though the dangers and deadly effects were known and documented as early as the early 1900's, it was not until the 1940's that asbestos use became heavy in the United States.
Construction materials
Asbestos is found in construction materials for every part of the home. Construction materials that can contain asbestos include:
- Acoustic/soundproofing material
- Adhesive material
- Vinyl flooring
- Insulation
- Caulking material
- Ceiling tiles
- Wallboard
- Shingles
- Sheetrock
- Duct work
- Ceramic tile
- Electrical wire insulation
- Masonry fill
- Paint
- Roofing felt
Small appliances
A large portion of small appliances are used for heating or cooking foods and beverages, and therefore asbestos has been used in their production. Examples include:
- Coffee makers
- Toaster
- Irons
- Popcorn poppers
- Slow cookers
Household items
More surprising are some of the everyday items that you may have around your home, never considering the possibility that they harbor a deadly substance. These include, but are not limited to:
- Hot pads
- Oven mitts
- Ironing boards
- Hair dryers
- Curling irons
- Packing material
- Fake snow
- Chalkboards
- Corkboards
- Potting soil
- Rope
- Tape
- Textiles
- Yarn
- Tabletops
- Talc powder
- Children's toys
In 1989 the Environmental Protection Agency issued a ban which would have phased out most asbestos use, but that ban was overturned in a Fifth Circuit ruling two years later.
If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma or any other asbestos related illness, contact one of our asbestos exposure attorneys today, or click here for a free case review.