Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Asbestos Containing Products

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous element that has been used since ancient times. Historically, asbestos has been used in a diverse amount of products such as fabrics and lamp wicks. Ancient peoples valued the tough material, because it is flame repellant and durable. The modern post-industrial era utilizes asbestos in over 3000 products, most extensively in the construction industry. Tiling, cement, insulation, car brakes and gaskets are all known to contain asbestos. Other common products that contain asbestos include:

• Insulation – found in and around pipes, air ducts, boilers, thermal paper products, and electrical wiring.

• Fireproofing/Acoustical Texture Products – such as acoustic tiling, textured paint and coatings, decorative tiling, fire blankets, curtains, and doors.

• Textile and Cloth Products – such as blankets, pajamas, oven mitts, aprons, and gloves.

• Spackling, Patching & Taping Compounds – including putty, caulk, adhesives, joint compounds, and thermal tape.

• Gaskets and Packings – industrial packing compounds, high pressure packing materials, and extreme temperature gaskets.

• Concrete, Tiles, Wallboard, Siding and Roofing Friction Materials – roofing shingles, asbestos tiling, asphalt and vinyl floor tiles, ceiling tiles, vinyl wall flooring, and flooring backing.

• Vermiculite – used in a variety of horticulture products, brake pads, acoustic tiles, and insulation

• Friction materials – such as railroad and automotive brakes and clutches

• Laboratory hoods and table tops

The Environmental Protection Agency banned any use of asbestos in new products in 1989, and sought to regulate incidents where it is already in use. Because the level of asbestos proliferation is well known, experts frequently speculate about a future pandemic of asbestos-related conditions because symptoms of these conditions do not appear until 20 to 30 years after exposure.

Source : http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com/

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