Many people know that asbestos was banned in the 1970s, but most people do not know that the ban on most of these products was lifted a few years later. Many products containing asbestos are still in use today. There are also many properties that still contain asbestos from before the ban. Asbestos was first used in the United States during the Industrial Age that ended around 1840. Asbestos became popular for construction purposes because of its toughness, durability, chemical resistance, water resistance, and fire resistance. It was also a popular building material with the U.S. military, where it was used to prevent fires.
Despite the fact that asbestos workers and workers have been dying of lung problems since the early 20th century, asbestos workers were not protected until decades later. All mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos and also cause asbestosis. Since there are still many shapes out there, it is important to know where you might come across them.
Products that still contain asbestos
Asbestos is no longer extracted in the US, but we import asbestos products from other countries. We currently use the following from asbestos:
Car couplings
The clutches in our cars contain up to 35% asbestos. If you are a mechanic or work on your own car, be careful when removing the clutch cover and never blow dust off the clutch.
Roofing materials
Asbestos was used in roofing materials from 1907 to around 1980. If your home was built during this time, you should have your roof checked for asbestos before repairing or replacing it. Better yet, leave these jobs to the professionals.
Vinyl tiles
Older vinyl floor tiles and vinyl panels may contain asbestos. It is generally safe to have in your home unless you want to remove it. Removing old vinyl tiles can release asbestos dust into the air. This is another job that is best left to the professionals.
Brake pad set
If you drive a Ford from 1993 or earlier, there may be asbestos in the brake pads. Asbestos brake pads can also be found on Land Rovers and other expensive imported vehicles. When working on the brakes, as with clutches, it is important not to disturb or inhale the brake dust.
Corrugated iron
Corrugated iron with asbestos is no longer used in construction, but it has been for a long time and there is still plenty of it around. You can find it in homes, factory buildings, and farms. It's important that you don't try to remove it yourself. This must also be done by the professionals.
Cement pipes
If you come across imported cement pipes, be careful. These pipes were used in water distribution. They are no longer made here, but in other countries. Previously it was believed that it was safe to drink water from these pipes, but it is not safe to cut into them.
Vermiculite insulation
The vermiculite insulation that still insulates many of the attics of our homes may be contaminated with asbestos if it was made at a mine near Libby, Montana in 1990 or earlier.
There's no way of knowing where the vermiculite in your insulation was made. So have it removed again by a professional. This is not a do-it-yourself project.
What asbestos does to your lungs
You cannot overestimate the dangers of asbestos. This mineral contains particles that are so small you can't see them and they can be easily inhaled into your lungs. Over time, people who work with asbestos are at risk of developing fatal mesothelioma and other serious respiratory diseases. Pleural mesothelioma is caused when asbestos fibers settle in the pleura or the lining of your lungs. It grows and spreads, forming a tumor capsule that surrounds the lungs and makes breathing difficult. No matter how early it is caught, pleural mesothelioma is always fatal. If you think you have been exposed to asbestos and have symptoms such as dry cough and chest pain, see a doctor and mention your exposure. Workers who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace should always consult a personal injury attorney.
