Asbestos Regulation and Exposure

  Although 52 countries have enacted a ban on asbestos use, those that have not yet issued a ban account for a large portion of asbestos use each year. According to a 2009 U.S. Geological Study (USGS), approximately 2 million tons of asbestos was produced by the late 1990s.

  Russia is considered to be the largest producer of asbestos products in the world and exports asbestos to developing countries that have not currently issued asbestos regulations. In the USGS study, the major consumers of asbestos included countries such as China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Canada, India and Colombia. While Canada is a major producer of chrysotile asbestos, it is currently very limited for use in that country.

  In 1999, the U.S. used about 15,000 metric tons of asbestos. Many major health organizations around the world have recognized asbestos as a known human carcinogen. In 1977, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, was the first agency to recognize the potentially harmful effects of asbestos exposure. However, many countries still have not banned asbestos.

  Asbestos exposure has been linked to the development of serious respiratory diseases and cancers, includingmesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other conditions. For nearly 100 years, asbestos was one of the most commonly used materials in industries such as construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing.

It wasn't until the mid-20th century that researchers officially established the connection between asbestos exposure and serious respiratory conditions (although evidence was presented as early as the 1920s), but by then, millions of workers had already been exposed to asbestos fibers in the workplace and in other locations. While federal asbestos exposure limits were imposed in 1972, an estimated 10,000 people in the United States continue to pass away each year from asbestos-related illnesses.

  Where Asbestos Exposure Can Occur

  Asbestos exposure can occur in many different settings, with certain occupations, products, jobsites and locations at a particularly high risk of exposure. Common locations and products that have involved asbestos are outlined in the sections listed below.

Occupational Asbestos Exposure

  Since its creation, asbestos has been used in a variety of different ways by a number of occupations. Many of the people who worked in these various occupations have contracted a range of different health problems from their asbestos exposure.

Workers from practically all trades were involved with asbestos, even those that worked in the unlikeliest of professions. Asbestos was used in a variety of different products and was largely found in shipyards, power plants, chemical plants, factories, steel mills, building construction, and the telephone industry. Some of the occupations that commonly came in contact with asbestos include:

• Asbestos textile mill, protective clothing and glove makers came in contact with asbestos while they wove it into cloth.
• Automobile manufacturing production, brake and clutch manufacturing, and assembly workers including automobile mechanics and brake repairers, used asbestos on brake linings and clutch pads.
• Building engineers, building material products manufacturers, cement plant production workers, and construction workers all worked with asbestos-related products.
• Electrical workers, including electricians, electrical linemen, and telephone linemen came in contact with asbestos insulation around electrical products.
• Shipyard workers, Coast Guard personnel, longshoremen, merchant mariners, and U.S. Navy personnel worked and lived in areas that employed the use of asbestos.
• Demolition and wrecking crews were at risk when they destroyed buildings that used asbestos as insulation.
• Custodians, insulation manufacturing plant workers, pipefitters, machinists, insulators, packing and gasket manufacturing plant workers, and powerhouse workers all came in contact with asbestos.
• Railroad workers, sheet metal workers, steamfitters, refinery workers, rubber workers, refractory products plant workers, and warehouse workers also worked with asbestos on a daily basis.

Asbestos Products

  In the late 19th century, the use of asbestos became popular in the construction and manufacturing industries due to the mineral's highly versatile, durable, flexible and relatively inexpensive nature. The superior insulating properties of asbestos fibers offered manufacturers a way to strengthen buildings and products and protect them from fire and heat, without adding much weight or cost.

  Until the late 1970s, asbestos was used in thousands of products, including household items, construction materials, paper goods, protective clothing, engines, automobiles and heating and cooling systems. Millions of homes, office buildings, military vessels and factories contained asbestos-laden products for many years, before the risks associated with asbestos fibers were made known.

  Health and safety regulations concerning the use of asbestos in products began to be surface in the 1970s and 80s. In December 1977, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of asbestos-containing patching compounds and artificial fireplace ash products. More than a decade later, on July 12, 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a ban of most asbestos-containing products, but this ruling was overturned just two years later by a New Orleans court. Currently, the 1989 EPA ban affects only flooring felt, rollboard and certain types of papers that contain asbestos.

  There are currently hundreds, if not thousands, of products and construction materials in use today that may contain asbestos. It is important to be aware of the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and other life threatening conditions associated with the inhalation or ingestion of airborne asbestos fibers. General products that have involved asbestos :

* Adhesives

  Asbestos, a mineral touted for its ability to withstand heat and fire, was commonly used in a myriad of adhesive products up until the 1980s, when the mineral was linked to severe health and safety concerns.

Asbestos-containing adhesive was commonly used to help bond carpet, flooring and ceiling tiles in buildings built prior to the 1980s. Asbestos was used in adhesive products because it created a strong bond to a variety of surfaces that could withstand extreme heat and even fire. The adhesive materials used in numerous homes, schools and commercial buildings may have contained between 1 and 25 percent asbestos, depending on the type of adhesive and the purpose for which it was used.

The various types of adhesives known to contain asbestos include:

• Duct adhesive: Commonly available in the form of tape (similar to duct tape) and sprayable adhesive, duct adhesive containing asbestos was often used in HVAC systems to prevent cool or warm air from escaping and affecting the temperature of a climate-controlled home or building.

• Fibrous adhesive: This liquid form of adhesive was typically applied with a brush or sprayer. Through the years, fibrous forms of asbestos-contaminated adhesive often broke down, which generated dust. The dust created by the crumbling fibrous adhesive often allowed toxic asbestos particles to enter the air, where they presented a serious health hazard to individuals nearby.

• Lagging adhesive: A water-based method of bonding, lagging adhesives were used in heating and cooling systems to seal ducts and ventilation corridors against the leakage of temperature-treated air.

• Emulsion adhesive: Emulsion adhesive is a synthetic form of adhesive that was used to bond synthetic laminates, like roofing or floor tiles, to wood and timber.

• Mastic adhesive: Made from sticky resin of the mastic tree, mastic adhesive is available in a variety of forms, including liquid and glue. The adhesive was commonly used in the construction and heating and air industries.

Though asbestos was banned in 1977 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission due to serious health and safety concerns, the mineral can still be found in the adhesive agents used in homes and commercial buildings today.

Hazards of Adhesives

  Adhesives containing asbestos can become hazardous when the asbestos fibers found in the adhesives are released into the air. This often occurs when the adhesives break down over time, causing dust saturated with tiny asbestos fibers to occur. Additionally, the adhesives may release asbestos particles into the air during the renovation or demolition of homes or buildings, regular construction or corrosion.

  Once the toxic asbestos fibers enter the air and are inhaled or ingested, they present a serious risk to anyone nearby. Those who inhale or ingest the fibers may be at risk of developing serious health complications, including asbestos-related diseases and mesothelioma.

*  Asbestos Mitts, Mittens and Glassblower Mitts

  To insulate the body from extreme temperatures or flames, industrial workers often wear heat-resistant clothing to protect the hands and body. Specialized fire- and heat-resistant mitts and mittens, similar to gloves, are frequently used in the metal works industry and the glassblowing industry, where workers must cope with extreme temperature conditions, molten glass or metal and other potentially-dangerous conditions.

  Unfortunately, the majority of mitts and mittens manufactured from the early 1900s up until the 1980s were made using asbestos cloth and asbestos fibers. Protective clothing that contains asbestos fibers creates a significant health hazard and may still be found in some mitts and mittens today, even after the U.S. government issued warnings concerning asbestos-containing products in the late 1970s.

Uses for Asbestos Mitts and Mittens

  Mitts and mittens containing asbestos were widely used for heat protection in industries involving extreme temperatures, fire, blowtorch flames, molten glass and hot metals. To make high temperatures more bearable, metal workers, glass blowers and fire fighters often donned special mitts made from asbestos to prevent burns and discomfort. It is estimated that most mitts and mittens manufactured from the 1900s to the 1980s contained at least 40 percent chrysotile asbestos, a common type of asbestos.

  Asbestos was praised for its fire- and heat-resistant properties, superior strength, lightweight texture and versatility, and the mineral was frequently woven into asbestos cloth to make protective mitts and mittens.

  Asbestos-containing mitts and mittens were commonly used in the production of the following items:

• Flat glass
• Glass containers
• Blown glass
• Pressed glass
• Glass artwork
• Optical or electronic glass
• Metal castings
• Metal products or welding

Potential Hazards of Asbestos-Containing Mitts and Mittens

  Heat-protective mitts and mittens manufactured from asbestos cloth can pose a health hazard, as the toxic mineral has been linked to numerous adverse health complications including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Microscope asbestos fibers can be released into the air during routine use of asbestos-containing mitts or mittens, especially if the mitts and mittens are torn, snagged, aged or in poor condition.

  Airborne asbestos fibers are extremely lightweight and can easily be inhaled or ingested by workers or bystanders. Asbestos fibers used in protective mitts and mittens may appear white, green, blue or gray-green, and can be released into the air in the form of a light dust. Long-term or repeated exposure to asbestos fibers in the air, especially in areas with poor ventilation, can cause fibers to become embedded in lung tissue. Inhaled or ingested asbestos may lead to lung disease, mesothelioma or other types of cancer.

Who May be Affected by Asbestos-Containing Mitts and Mittens

  Asbestos-containing mitts, mittens and gloves were commonly used in the following occupations:

• Aluminum or steel workers
• Firefighters
• Furnace men
• Glass-makers or glassblowers
• Ironworkers
• Metal foundry workers
• Metal pourers
• Smelter men
• Welders

  Those at particular risk for asbestos-related health complications include workers who utilized asbestos protective clothing and mitts for longer than six months and those who used materials manufactured prior to the 1980s.

  Airborne asbestos fibers released from mitts and mittens may additionally bind to clothing, skin and shoes, where they can then be spread to family members and loved ones at home through secondhand exposure.

*  Asbestos Tiles, Ceiling Tiles, Vinyl Floor Tiles

  Asbestos may be found in floor and ceiling tiles made of vinyl, asphalt and rubber. Tiles that were manufactured before 1981 may contain asbestos, as well as the following tile materials:

• Paper backing on tiles
• Adhesives used to install tiles
• Linoleum floor tiles
• 9-inch and 12- inch floor tiles

  Vinyl floor tiles that contained asbestos were manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymers and were used in homes due to the tile's resistance to abrasion, moisture, oil, grease and acids.

Hazards of Asbestos Tiles

  Floor and ceiling tiles that are whole and intact are not considered hazardous, as the asbestos fibers are bound inside the tile. Tiles may emit the fibers if the material has been exposed to heat, water and weathering over time. Floor and ceiling tiles that contain more than 1 percent asbestos may be dangerous if the tiles become friable, or able to be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to a powder with hand pressure.

  If you think tiles in your home or workplace contain asbestos, the materials may need to be tested for asbestos. A sample of the tile should be sent to a laboratory that has been accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program and the Bulk Asbestos Program.

Removing Asbestos Tiles

  Asbestos-containing tiles were manufactured until the mid-1980s and were made out of a combination of limestone, asbestos, plasticizer, stabilizer, binder and pigment. Homeowners who want to replace intact asbestos tiles can cover asbestos floor or ceiling tiles, which avoids damaging the asbestos tiles.

  Other methods of replacing or removing asbestos tiles include:

• Enclosing the tile to prevent asbestos fibers from entering the air
• Encapsulating the tile by applying an acrylic substance over the asbestos that seals the asbestos in place
• Removing the asbestos tile with the recommended safety equipment or with the help of trained professionals

  Renovation and remodeling projects may disturb asbestos tiles, and the following actions should be avoided:

• Sawing, scraping or drilling asbestos tiles
• Dusting, sweeping or vacuuming asbestos dust or debris
• Using abrasive pads or brushes to remove wax from asbestos flooring
• Attempting to level asbestos materials by sanding the tile or tile adhesive

  The removal of asbestos tiles increases the risk of asbestos exposure, as asbestos fibers can be easily dislodged from the tile in the process.

  Homeowners are advised to use a licensed asbestos contractor to remove asbestos tiles. Proper equipment, preparation and removal procedures should be followed to properly remove tiles if professional assistance is not utilized.

Asbestos Tiles and Mesothelioma

  Asbestos tiles that are removed, repaired or disturbed may emit asbestos fibers into the air if they become damaged or broken. Asbestos fibers that are ingested or inhaled can become lodged in the lungs or digestive tract.

  Asbestos exposure has been associated with the development of mesothelioma. The condition can cause serious damage to the organs and tissues, and symptoms may not appear for 20 to 50 years.  

*  Asbestos Fireproofing

  Fireproofing is the process of applying materials to residential homes, commercial buildings and other structures to increase fire-resistance. Structures that have been fireproofed may not burn as easily in the event of fire or explosion.

  Commercial, industrial, residential and offshore construction sites are commonly fireproofed. Fireproofing may have been applied in the following areas:

• Structural steel
• Electrical circuits
• Liquefied petroleum gas containers
• Pipe bridges and vessel skirts in oil refineries
• Traffic tunnels
• Boiler ducts
• HVAC units

  During the 1970s, asbestos was used as a fireproofing material due to its flame-retardant properties. Fireproofing material could be applied as pressed sheets or in a sprayed form. Spray fireproofing is the application of fire-resistant materials to structures such as steel beams, columns and decks.

Hazards of Fireproofing

  Asbestos fireproofing material consists of a dry powder that is mixed with water. Exposure to asbestos can occur during the process of applying the materials and includes the following activities:

• Handling bags of powder
• Adding powder to mixer
• Scraping fireproofing material from surfaces

  The following actions may disturb fireproofing materials that have already been applied:

• Running conduits and wiring along steel beams
• Installing sprinkler system equipment
• General construction that would generate asbestos dust
• Asbestos dust clean-up, handling or mixing
• Repairing or removing fireproofing material

  When asbestos fibers are discharged into the air, they may be inhaled or ingested by workers or homeowners.  Asbestos-containing fireproofing was commonly used in houses and commercial buildings built during the 1960s and 1970s. Asbestos may also be disturbed through home remodeling, renovations or the demolition of older buildings.

Fireproofing Precautions

  Precautions should be taken to avoid exposure to asbestos fibers when applying or removing asbestos fireproofing materials. Negative air containments may be used in areas where the material will be present. The machine pulls air in and traps particles, fibers and dust inside the containment.

  Asbestos-containing fireproofing should only be applied and removed when thoroughly wet, as dampened materials may help prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air. Materials that have been removed from structures or leftover materials that were not used in fireproofing should be handled safely. Removal can include sealing the materials in plastic bags and disposing of the bags in segregated dumpsters.

Fireproofing and Mesothelioma

  Asbestos fibers that have been separated from the insulation material may become airborne if disturbed. Individuals exposed to asbestos may breathe in or swallow the fibers. The long-term presence of the fibers in the body can lead to serious conditions such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

*  Asbestos Gloves

  Asbestos laboratory and industrial gloves are used to protect against chemicals and high temperatures and are used in certain industries. Laboratory gloves are used to protect the skin from sharp objects and other hazardous materials.

  Asbestos was commonly used in the production of laboratory gloves to serve as a heat-resistant fiber that would shield the hands from hot objects and caustic materials like acid. Gloves are also used in other industries that involve high temperatures such as manufacturing plants, foundries and firefighting.

Laboratory Gloves

  Some laboratory gloves contained asbestos fibers that acted as thermal insulation against heated elements. Asbestos is a mineral that may be spun into thread and used in many industrial products, as the material is strong, flexible and resistant to abrasive agents.

  Gloves that are in poor condition or have become frayed, ripped or torn may expose asbestos fibers to the air. When the fibers are separated from the gloves, they may remain suspended in the air for hours or even days.

  Laboratory gloves are no longer made from asbestos due to the risk of serious health conditions that may develop due to asbestos exposure.  Many gloves are now made out of the following materials:

• Kevlar
• Normex
• Zetex
• Fiberglass

  Laboratory gloves that are whole and intact may not be hazardous, but asbestos-containing gloves that can be reduced to powder by hand pressure are considered to be a health risk.

Industrial Gloves

  Industrial asbestos gloves were manufactured until the 1980s and may contain 40 to 100 percent asbestos. Common industries that may use asbestos gloves include:

• Refineries
• Power plants
• Steel mills
• Railroads
• Glass or ceramic manufacturers
• Textile manufacturers

  Although asbestos-containing materials have mostly been banned in the U.S., the gloves may still be in use. Other asbestos-containing materials that may have been used as protective clothing include lab coats, aprons, shoe coverings and masks.

  Gloves that have been ripped, torn, damaged or worn down over time can release asbestos fibers into the air. Workers may inhale the fibers through prolonged, direct contact with the gloves.

Laboratory Gloves and Mesothelioma

  Old or damaged asbestos gloves may emit a fine dust or powder. If these fibers are inhaled or ingested, they may become lodged in the thin membrane that covers the lungs, causing scarring and inflammation. Asbestos exposure has been associated with severe health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

*  Asbestos Spackle, Plaster, Spackle Compounds

  Spackle is a dry powder product that is mixed with water and used to fill holes and cracks in wood, drywall and plaster before painting and papering. The dry powder mix often contained asbestos, which added strength, durability and fire-resistance to spackle. Spackle manufactured before the early 1980s contained as much as 20 percent asbestos.

Spackle

  Spackle is used to fill holes and cracks along the surface of wallboard and sheetrock and is made of sand, water, lime and gypsum. The product was used in construction to seal and patch wall imperfections and could also be applied as a decorative wall treatment.

  Asbestos spackle was used during renovation and construction projects in residential homes and commercial buildings including schools, theaters and public buildings. Spackle is commonly applied to the following surfaces:

• Drywall
• Ceilings
• Walls
• Wood paneling

  Spackle is manufactured as a dry powder that is mixed with water on-site during construction. As the product is mixed, asbestos fibers in the powder may become airborne. Once in the air, the fibers may be inhaled or ingested by those near the construction area.

  Asbestos spackle that has been applied to walls or ceilings may wear down over time and become friable, or easily crumbled or pulverized with the use of hand pressure. Friable spackle that has been sanded, drilled or sawed can emit asbestos fibers into the air. Other construction work as renovation or demolition may also disturb spackle.

Spackle Plaster

  Spackle plaster is a combination of spackle and plaster, which is similar to cement and mortar. This construction material is used during the building and repair of homes and buildings. Spackle plaster is also known as Gold Bond, the brand name of spackle plaster. This product aids in eliminating imperfections in drywall such as board joints and protruding nails.

  Fixing or building structures may involve removing loose paint from the walls, opening cracks and removing plaster that has become loose or dried-out. During renovation or construction, the asbestos fibers contained in the spackle plaster may be released into the air as the spackle is detached from walls or ceilings.

Spackle, Plaster and Mesothelioma

  Airborne asbestos fibers may be ingested or inhaled and can become lodged in the lining of the organs known as the mesothelium, where they can cause prolonged irritation and inflammation and serious health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

*  Asbestos Vinyl Products

  Vinyl is a plastic resin manufactured from ethylene and chlorine. The product is sturdy yet flexible, making it a common component of many building and housing materials. Asbestos, another durable and versatile material, was commonly added to vinyl products during the 1900s in order to add further strength, as well as fire-resistance and insulation.

  Two common vinyl products that often contained asbestos include:

• Vinyl Flooring
• Vinyl Wallpaper

  While the use of asbestos in vinyl materials was largely phased out during the 1980s due to health concerns, many older homes, commercial buildings and schools still contain asbestos vinyl products.

Vinyl Flooring

  Vinyl flooring containing asbestos was commonly used in homes, schools, offices and other buildings. Because asbestos is durable, flexible and inexpensive, it was commonly added to vinyl flooring to provide further sturdiness and resilience. In addition to these properties, asbestos was easy to install and provided great insulation.

Vinyl Wallpaper

  Asbestos was also used as a component of vinyl wallpaper. Like asbestos in vinyl flooring, asbestos in vinyl wallpaper provided additional strength and durability, while also supplying excellent insulation. Because vinyl wallpaper that contained asbestos was particularly easy to install, the material was used by millions of Americans in both homes and office buildings.

Individuals Affected by Asbestos Vinyl Products

  Vinyl products containing asbestos have frequently placed the following workers at high risk of asbestos exposure:

• Floor and wallpaper installers
• Maintenance workers
• Demolition crews

  The materials have also placed other individuals at risk of asbestos exposure. These individuals include:

• Homeowners
• Hardware store employees

  Because vinyl flooring and wallpaper were often installed by homeowners themselves, the materials repeatedly placed these individuals at an exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure.

*  Asbestos Fume Hoods & Laboratory Hoods

  A fume hood provides ventilation in laboratory and industrial settings and works to filter vapors, chemical fumes and hazardous gases from the air. Air is pulled in from the front of the hood, filtered and passed back into the room or outside the building. Fume hood liners, shelves and cement board were commonly made with asbestos during the early 1900s due to its resistance to heat and abrasive chemicals.

Hazards of Fume and Laboratory Hoods

  Fume hoods are commonly used in the following processes:

• Laboratory testing
• Research
• Development
• Removal of noxious gases and dusts
• Building ventilation

  This product may be found in universities, building air systems and laboratories.

  Transite, or asbestos cement, has been used to insulate the hood from the fumes and gases. If the hood is whole and intact, the hood is not considered a health hazard. Asbestos fibers are bound inside the cement, but if broken, cut or damaged, the fibers may be released into the air.

  Certain fume hoods filter chemicals from the air and release the purified air back into the same room. If the transite hood lining has become friable, the fibers may be released into the room and inhaled or ingested by building occupants. 

  Fume hood lining that is suspected to contain asbestos should never be drilled, broken or removed without the assistance of professionals trained to handle asbestos materials, as this process may also create airborne asbestos fibers.

Removing Fume Hood Lining

  Transite fume hoods may also pose health risks when removed or replaced. Trained, certified asbestos professionals should remove asbestos materials and the following precautions should be adhered to at all times:

• Remove chemicals from fume hood and lower shelves
• Lay down drop cloth or tarp to catch metal pieces or dust particles
• Avoid breaking hood lining
• Clean work area with HEPA vacuum
• Dispose of asbestos waste, including drop cloth, in approved waste bags

  The laboratory area should also be washed, as asbestos fibers may remain airborne for hours or days and those in contact with the area may breathe in or ingest the fibers.

  Asbestos fibers that have been swallowed or inhaled may become lodged in the body, where they can remain for many years, causing irritation, inflammation and the possible development of asbestos-related diseases or cancer many years later.

*  Asbestos Rope & Rope Packing Material

  Rope and rope packing are insulation materials that are used to seal and protect boilers, pipes and heaters from fire. Asbestos was commonly used in the manufacturing of rope and packing materials, as the fibers were known to be durable and fire resistant.

Asbestos Rope

  During the 1980s, asbestos rope was commonly used in construction as gaskets, or seals that fill the space between two adjacent surfaces, and may have been applied to the following equipment:

• Boilers
• Heaters
• Fire escapes
• Furnaces
• Oven doors
• Pipes and joints
• Generators
• Other high temperature instruments

  Asbestos rope blocks grooves and open areas and provides insulation by preventing heat from escaping. The material also prevents and contains the spread of fire.

  This product may be be cut and fitted to specific measurements depending on where it is applied. Some rope materials contain asbestos dust that may emit asbestos fibers into the air if frayed or cut.

  Asbestos rope that is whole or intact may not pose a health risk. Old, worn or damaged asbestos rope is considered a hazard to health as asbestos fibers may be released and inhaled by workers or homeowners.

Asbestos Rope Packing

  Packing materials are made out of fabric and were produced as sheets of fabric and cords. Asbestos was used as a type of packing material as the fibers are durable and resistant to heat. Also used to line ovens, doors, pipes, windows and boilers, asbestos packing may resemble rope or braids and can seal pipe entrances between buildings.

  Asbestos packing materials may have been used in industries like chemical plants, power plants and shipyards. Manufacturers who may have produced asbestos rope packing include:

• Babcock and Wilcox Company
• Crane Packing Company
• Garlock, Inc.
• Harbison-Walker Refractories Company
• Johns Manville Corporation
• Nicolet, Inc.
• Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc.

  Rope packing material that is easily broken into small fragments with little effort may allow asbestos fibers to become airborne.

  The removal of asbestos rope and rope packing should be performed by a licensed, trained professional as damaged materials may also emit asbestos fibers into the air.

*  Asbestos Electrical Cloth & Electrical Panel Partition

  Electrical products made of asbestos were widely used throughout the mid-1900s. Two of the most commonly used products include:

• Electrical cloth
• Electrical panel partitions

  While the use of asbestos in electrical cloth and electrical panel partitions was mostly phased out during the 1980s, products that contain the substance may still be present in a number of older homes and commercial buildings.

Electrical Cloth

  Electrical cloth that contained asbestos was frequently used to insulate electrical wiring. The cloth helped contain and quell electrical fires that might otherwise have expanded to surrounding areas.

  Asbestos was a popular material for the cloth because it is very durable and resistant to high temperatures, yet flexible and tensile. Asbestos was also a very popular material for electrical cloth because of its cost-effective nature.

Electrical Panel Partitions

  Electrical panel partitions are used to separate different electrical components of a wiring system in order to reduce the risk of damage and overheating associated with the existence of a high volume of electricity in a small location. Because of its excellent insulating properties, sturdiness and flexibility, asbestos was commonly used as a component of electrical panel partitions.

  Electrical panel partitions were in high demand during World War II and the years that followed, leading to the installation of many asbestos-containing electrical panel partitions in homes, schools, offices and other buildings or ships throughout the United States.

Electrical Cloth, Electrical Panel Partition and Mesothelioma

  Harmful asbestos fibers may be released from electrical cloth or electrical panel partitions into the air, and individuals in the immediate area may inadvertently ingest or inhale the fibers.

  These asbestos fibers, which cannot be dislodged, often become caught in the thin lining of the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. The presence of the fibers in these tissues can lead to the development the rare cancer known as mesothelioma.

Individuals at Risk of Asbestos Exposure from Electrical Cloth or Electrical Panel Partitions

  Certain work-related activities can place individuals in certain occupations at an exceptionally high risk of dangerous asbestos exposure from electrical cloth or electrical panel partitions. Workers at high risk of exposure include:

• Electricians
• Manufacturers
• Construction or maintenance workers
• Demolition workers

  In addition to the workers listed above, homeowners, office workers, students and other individuals have also been placed at risk of asbestos exposure due to electrical cloth or electrical panel partitions.

*  Asbestos Textile Cloths & Textile Garments

  Asbestos has been used extensively in the production of cloths, garments and other textiles for many centuries, as the mineral boasts superior resistance to heat, flame, acid and other corrosive elements. Asbestos is the only naturally-occurring mineral that can be spun and woven into fabric. Cloths and textiles containing asbestos could be found in almost every business, factory, residential home or theater in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

  The first documented use of asbestos in the manufacturing of textile cloths and textile garments took place in Russia in the 1720s. Often coated with dyes or other additives, asbestos textiles and cloths were known to be relatively unaffected by high temperatures, flames, electrical fires and corrosive substances, making the material ideal for use in residential and commercial settings as well as in building construction where the risk of fire was a threat.

From Raw Asbestos to Asbestos Yarn

  Raw asbestos can be spun into asbestos yarn which can then be woven into textile cloths and textile garments through a manufacturing process very similar to that of cotton. Asbestos fibers, especially chrysotile asbestos fibers, are naturally long, thin and flexible, making them ideal for use in cotton-like materials.

  To produce asbestos yarn from raw asbestos, the asbestos rocks must first be crushed by heavy rollers in a mill, similar to the way that grains are made into flour in a stone-process flour mill. This process creates a fibrous, dirty-white color material often referred to as asbestos mineral wool.

  The asbestos wool is then subjected to a winnowing process to remove rock fragments and other non-fibrous particles. The material is picked and carded using a carding machine, similar to the way that cotton is carded in a cotton mill. By picking and carding the asbestos material, the asbestos fibers are straightened out and the fibers are made to lay parallel to each other, which makes the asbestos material soft, white and delicate.

  After the asbestos wool has been carded, the material is then twisted and spun into cotton-like asbestos yarn. Sometimes, the asbestos fibers are mixed with cotton fibers during the spinning process depending on the textile it for which it is being produced. Asbestos yarn has many uses and was often woven into cloth for garments or packing materials.

Uses for Asbestos Textiles

  Once raw asbestos has been processed into asbestos yarn and then spun into asbestos cloth, the cloth can be woven into many fire-resistant materials. In the early 20th century, asbestos cloth was widely used in households and buildings to protect users and occupants from fire or heat.

  Asbestos textiles and asbestos cloth were commonly used in the following products and materials:

• Pot holders
• Electrical cloth
• Aprons
• Ironing board covers
• Welder's blankets
• Fire draperies and curtains (for use in theaters)
• Upholstery
• Carpeting
• Metal mesh blankets
• Canvas
• Pipe coverings
• Fire-fighter's clothing
• Fire blankets
• Oven mitts
• Gloves
• Filter paper (for juices or chemicals)
• Prison cell padding
• Glassblower mitts

  Many times, asbestos cloth and asbestos textiles were used to provide thermal insulation around boilers, pipes and other machinery in military vessels, planes and in factories.

  Asbestos canvas was often used as fire curtains in theaters and as an insulating covering for pipes and turbines. Kaylo canvas was known to contain asbestos fibers from the 1950s until the 1980s. Other companies which may have produced asbestos-containing canvas products include H.K. Porter Canvas and J-M Asbestos Canvas.

Potential Hazards of Asbestos Textile and Asbestos Cloth

  Textiles and cloth made from asbestos present a serious health hazard, both to the individuals who were directly involved with the manufacturing process and to those who used the finished asbestos cloth products. Asbestos was most commonly used in textiles from the 1800s to the mid-1900s, and heat-resistant cloths made prior to the 1980s typically contained asbestos fibers.

  According to numerous medical studies over the years, exposure to chrysotile fibers and other types of asbestos used in the manufacturing of textiles is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. When tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air in textile mills where asbestos cloth is produced, the fibers can be inhaled and ingested and cause serious damage and possible malignancies with long-term exposure. The health risk associated with asbestos textiles is estimated to be even greater than the risk in other industries such as asbestos mining, as the asbestos fibers are released into the air in greater amounts during the textile manufacturing process.

  Asbestos-containing cloth can also pose a health hazard if the material is torn, shredded, sanded, damaged or heavily worn, which can cause asbestos fibers to break away and become airborne. When exposed to very high temperatures, asbestos has a tendency to transform into a powder, which is especially dangerous if disturbed or inhaled.

Who May be Affected by Asbestos Textiles and Cloths

  Individuals who may have been affected by asbestos exposure from asbestos textiles can be divided into the following categories:

• People who worked in asbestos textile mills prior to the 1980s or were exposed to textile mills
• People who used or wore asbestos textiles and cloth made prior to the 1980s

  Individuals who were exposed to asbestos textiles for prolonged periods of time, such as those who worked in textile factories for more than five to ten years, are thought to be at highest risk for health complications related to asbestos exposure, as the asbestos fibers can build up in the lungs.

  Textile-related occupations that are considered high-risk for asbestos exposure include:

• Ship builders
• U.S. Navy personnel
• Loom fixers
• Fire fighters
• Electrical engineers
• Pipe fitters
• Textile operatives
• Textile mill workers (including weavers, spinners, sewers, baggers, etc.)

*  Asbestos Crock Pots, Popcorn Poppers, Stove Mats &           Pads

  Asbestos was commonly found in household products during the 1900s, as the mineral was used in a variety of capacities due to its durability and natural resistance to heat and fire. Some of the most common household products known to have been created with asbestos at one time include:

• Crock pots
• Popcorn poppers
• Stove mats
• Asbestos pads

  During the 1980s, the use of asbestos in most household products was phased out, but some older crock pots, popcorn poppers, stove mats and asbestos pads may still contain asbestos fibers.

Crock Pots

  Originally introduced in the 1970s, crock pots that contain asbestos were used in millions of homes across the United States. Crock pots are designed to allow users to slow cook food at high temperatures.

  In order to do so, however, early crock pots commonly relied on the addition of asbestos fibers to provide electrical and heat insulation within the product. Asbestos was frequently located between the inner and outer layers of the devices, as well as around the electrical wiring.

Popcorn Poppers

  Asbestos was commonly used to provide wire and heat insulation in popcorn poppers manufactured during the mid-1900s. While asbestos is no longer used in modern day popcorn poppers manufactured in the United States, asbestos may still be found in popcorn poppers manufactured in other parts of the world, such as South America.

Stove Mats

  Stove mats that contained asbestos were commonly placed on stove tops to protect against excessively hot pots or pans. Stove mats were often made of metal and asbestos millboard, which provided a good source of heat-resistance and insulation. Many stove mats contained a large concentration of the hazardous substance.

Asbestos Pads

  Asbestos pads have been used to serve a variety of different purposes over the years. They have commonly been used as:

• Potholder pads
• Ironing board pads
• Automobile brake pads

  Asbestos helped provide excellent heat and fire resistance in these products. Its flexibility and cost effective nature were also key reasons the material was used in the products.

  Because of the excessive wear and tear that occurs during the braking process, asbestos pads used as automobile brake pads have been found to create an exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure.

Iron Rests

  Used as early as the 1800s, asbestos iron rests, also called asbestos flat iron holders, were commonly found in the household to protect the user from hot irons. Iron rests made from asbestos provided a place to rest an iron while it was still hot and in use in order to prevent accidental fires, the charring of fabric or damage to table tops or ironing boards.
Compressed asbestos sheets were able to keep cool even while in contact with a hot iron, and the product was often iron-shaped or square.

  Individuals may come into contact with iron rests if they were involved in the ironing or pressing business during the early 1900s, or if they have come into contact with the product in the home or at antique shows or yard sales.

Dangers of Asbestos Household Products

  As long as asbestos-containing household products are left undisturbed and are in good condition, they generally do not pose a significant health hazard. However, if the asbestos fibers within the devices are exposed or damaged in some way, microscopic asbestos fibers can be released into the air, which place individuals in the surrounding area at risk of asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases.

Individuals Affected by Asbestos Household Products

  Certain workers have been placed at exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure during occupational activities that require extensive handling of asbestos household products. Workers at particularly high risk include:

• Manufacturing workers
• Mechanics
• Small appliance repairmen

  In addition to these individuals, household asbestos products such as crock pots, popcorn poppers, stove mats and asbestos pads have placed numerous consumers at risk of asbestos exposure over the years.

*  Asbestos Fertilizer & Potting Mixtures

  Mineral vermiculite containing asbestos was widely used in fertilizers and potting mixtures during the mid-1900s.

Vermiculite is a brownish-gold substance that is composed of a variety of different minerals and is used to provide heat insulation and to stimulate plant growth. When exposed to heat, mineral vermiculite expands into a puffy white material that resembles Styrofoam. The substance has been widely used for agricultural purposes around the world.

Presence of Asbestos within Fertilizer and Potting Mixtures

  A large amount of vermiculite used in fertilizers and potting mixtures was mined in the Western United States and then distributed to different facilities throughout the country from the 1960s to the 1990s. Certain types of vermiculite mined from this area, particularly the tremolite series, contained approximately 4 to 6 percent of asbestos.

  While the use of asbestos in many consumer products has been restricted in the United States since the 1970s and 1980s, reports as recent as 2001 have detected the presence of asbestos in fertilizer and potting mixtures. While the Environmental Protection Agency has urged fertilizer and potting mixture manufacturers to find a replacement for vermiculite, there are currently no federal regulations outlawing the use of the substance in the products.

Fertilizer, Potting Mixtures and Mesothelioma

  Asbestos fibers that have been released from potting mixtures or fertilizers, can become swallowed or breathed in by people who may be nearby.

  Fibers often become wedged in the membrane that lines the lungs and cannot be expelled once in the body. The presence of asbestos fibers in the body can lead to inflammation and, in some cases, the rare cancer known as mesothelioma.

Individuals Affected by Asbestos Fertilizer and Potting Mixtures

  Certain workers may be at a higher risk of becoming exposed to asbestos during on-the-job activities such as the extensive handling of asbestos fertilizer and potting mixtures. Some workers who may be at risk include:

• Workers at vermiculite plants
• Agricultural workers
• Gardeners

  In a report released in 1986, researchers found that the risk of respiratory cancer among employees working in a vermiculite mine in Montana before 1963 increased 1 percent with each year of exposure to the mine.

  Another report released in 2002 showed that a 65-year-old man who developed asbestos 50 years after a brief summer job at a California vermiculite plant had more than 8,000,000 asbestos fibers per gram of dry lung present in his body. Almost three quarters of the fibers were tremolite asbestos.

  According to a study published by the UCLA School of Medicine's Department of Medicine,"This case analysis raises several concerns: risk of vermiculite induced disease among former workers of the more than 200 expansion plants throughout the United States; health effects of brief but very high-intensity exposures to asbestos; and possible health effects in end-users of consumer products containing vermiculite."

*  Asbestos Fire Prevention Materials

  Due to the mineral's resistance to high temperatures and its flame-repellant properties, asbestos was used to make a wide variety of fire prevention materials during the 1900s. The substance provided a cheap, yet durable and flexible material that could be used in many products to help quell the spread of fire.

  Fire prevention materials that contain asbestos have been used in many homes, offices, hospitals, schools and buildings throughout the United States. While the use of asbestos in these products was phased out during the 1980s, older fire prevention materials may still contain the potentially-harmful substance.

Commonly Used Asbestos Fire Prevention Materials

  Some of the most common fire prevention materials made with asbestos include:

• Fire blankets – Fire blankets containing asbestos were commonly relied upon to put out both small and medium-sized fires. Because the blankets have often been used to put out flames that have spread to an individual's clothing or skin, they have placed a number of people in direct contact with the harmful substance over the years.
• Metal mesh blankets – Metal mesh blankets were originally designed to assist welders and others in building-related industries. The blankets, which were frequently composed of interwoven metal and asbestos strands, were often draped over workers and surfaces in order to prevent burns or other injuries.
• Fire curtains – Typically used in theaters, fire curtains containing asbestos are heavy products used to put out stage fires that might otherwise endanger audience members. The curtains were typically located directly above the stage, and pose the highest risk of exposure during removal or use after extended periods of inactivity.
• Fire dampers – Fire dampers are safety devices commonly placed within the duct systems of buildings in order to prevent the spread of fire from one area to another. Asbestos was commonly used to manufacture fire dampers and helped the dampers compartmentalize and contain fires within buildings.
• Fire doors – Fire doors made of vermiculite boards that contained asbestos were frequently installed in buildings during the mid-1900s. The doors, which often resembled normal wooden doors, were used to help prevent the spread of fire from one room or area of a building to another.
• Fire foil panels and boards – Fire foil boards and panels made of asbestos provide a heat reflective material that can help prevent the spread of asbestos in buildings. Asbestos was used in fire foil boards and panels until the late 1970s.

Hazards of Asbestos Fire Prevention Materials

  If in good condition, asbestos-containing fire prevention materials may not pose a significant health hazard. However, if fire curtains, fire blankets, fire doors or other materials are damaged due to heat, moisture or excessive wear and tear, the products can become friable. Friable asbestos materials can pose a health hazard, as the microscopic asbestos fibers contained within the product can easily be released into the air.

  During renovation projects, building demolition or other construction projects involving structures build prior to the 1980s, it is important to be aware of asbestos-containing fire prevention materials. Individuals are advised to use a professional experienced in the handling of asbestos materials during the removal or demolition process.

*  Asbestos Corrugated Paper & Thermal Paper Products

  A number of different paper products containing asbestos were frequently used during the 1900s. Two of the most common include:

• Corrugated paper
• Thermal paper products

  Both corrugated paper and thermal paper products have been used in homes and commercial buildings throughout the United States. The products were frequently relied upon to provide insulation and fire resistance.

  Because of its sturdiness, high tensile nature and resistance to high temperatures, asbestos was commonly used as a component of the paper products. While the use of asbestos in these products was phased out during the 1980s, many older buildings and homes still contain corrugated paper and thermal paper products made with the hazardous substance.

Corrugated Paper

  Corrugated paper is a paper product designed with folds and ridges intended to trap air and provide insulation.

Corrugated paper that contains asbestos has been used in the following applications:

• Insulation on pipe coverings or hot water lines
• Fire-resistance around stoves and fireplaces
• Insulation within walls

Thermal Paper Products

  Thermal paper is thin, lightweight and flexible. Thermal paper that contains asbestos has frequently been used in the following ways:

• Insulation around pipes
• Fiberboard support
• Electrical insulation
• Machinery gaskets

Paper Products and Mesothelioma

  Asbestos fibers that have been released from paper products can be inadvertently swallowed or breathed in by individuals in the surrounding area.

  Fibers cannot be broken down inside the body, and the asbestos fibers cannot be expelled once they have become lodged in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. The presence of the fibers in the body can lead to inflammation, lung cancer, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Occupations Involving Corrugated Paper and Thermal Paper

  Certain workers may have been exposed to asbestos during occupational activities that require extensive handling of asbestos corrugated paper and thermal paper products. Workers at a particularly high risk of asbestos exposure include:

• Construction workers
• Maintenance workers
• Demolition workers
• Manufacturers of corrugated paper or thermal paper products

  Because corrugated paper and thermal paper products that contain asbestos were used in many homes, schools, offices and other buildings throughout the country, the products have placed many other individuals at risk of exposure over the years.

*  Asbestos Generators, Turbines & Pumps

  Asbestos was widely used in machinery and equipment during the mid-1900s. Products that were frequently made with the hazardous substance include:

• Generators
• Turbines
• Pumps

  Generators, turbines and pumps that contain asbestos have been used in a number of different settings, including manufacturing plants, naval vessels, commercial buildings, schools and homes. While the use of asbestos was generally phased out by the late 1980s, many older generators, turbines and pumps may still contain the potentially-hazardous fibers.

Generators

  A generator is an engine that relies on electromagnetic induction to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Because generators often operate at very high temperatures, they pose a significant risk of fire and overheating if not properly protected.

  To provide this protection, asbestos was commonly used as a component of generators. The fire-resistant nature of asbestos, along with its sturdiness and flexibility, helped provide excellent insulation.

Turbines

  Turbines are engines that convert the kinetic energy of a circulating fluid into mechanical energy. During this process, turbines generate a large amount of heat, which could pose a health hazard if not properly insulated. Asbestos was commonly used to provide this insulation.

Pumps

  Pumps are used to activate and regulate the controlled movement of liquids or gasses. Pumps serve a wide variety of purposes and are commonly used to move water, oil, hot air, steam and other fluids.

  Asbestos was commonly used as a component of the gaskets and packing found in pumps. The substance provided a versatile yet sturdy source of insulation that was very cost effective. Pumps most commonly made with asbestos components include steam pumps, ammonia pumps and others pumps used to regulate the movement of high temperature or corrosive substances.

Exposure to Asbestos Generators, Turbines and Pumps

  Workers could have been exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers if they were employed in occupations that required extensive handling of asbestos-containing generators, turbines or pumps. The machinery can pose a health hazard if the materials are damaged or deteriorated after years of exposure to heat, weathering or moisture. If damaged, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, where they can then be ingested or inhaled by surrounding workers. The fibers may also be released if the materials are broken, cut, sawed or drilled.

  Workers at a high risk of asbestos exposure include:

• Power plant workers
• Oil refinery workers
• Plumbers
• Steamfitters
• Construction workers
• Boiler repairmen
• Insulators
• Maintenance workers
• Engineers
• Workers in the Navy
• Shipyard workers
• Demolition crews
• HVAC workers

*  Baby Powder and Hair Dryers

  While asbestos is perhaps most well known as an industrial or construction material, the substance has been used in the making of certain household products such as:

• Baby powder
• Hair dryers

While the use of asbestos was mostly discontinued in the United States during the 1980s, older hair dryers or baby powder products may still contain the substance.

Baby Powder

  During the mid-1900s, baby powder was commonly made with a substance called talc, a very lightweight material that frequently contained asbestos-like fibers. Talc was commonly used in baby powder for its absorbent and friction-reducing properties. 

  With the common use of baby powder on the genital region, the asbestos-like fibers in talc have been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed a resolution attempting to restrict the amount of asbestos in cosmetic-grade talc in 1973, no ruling was established on the subject. Despite this, talc that contains asbestos is no longer used to make modern-day baby powder.

Hair Dryers

  Asbestos was frequently used in hair dryers to provide heat control and insulation for the products. Because hair dryers commonly blow air and microscopic particles from the products into the facial region, hair dryers that contained asbestos posed a very serious risk of exposure to consumers.

  A survey of 30 different handheld hair dryers conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1979 revealed that the majority of the dryers tested contained harmful levels of asbestos.

  Brand name hair dryers that were commonly made with asbestos include:

• Conair
• General Electric
• Gillette
• Korvettes
• Montgomery Ward
• North American Philips (Norelco)
• J.C. Penney
• Scovill Manufacturing (Hamilton-Beach and Dominion)
• Sears, Roebuck & Co.
• Sunbeam
• Schick

Baby Powder, Hair Dryers and Mesothelioma

  When asbestos fibers are released into the air from baby powder and hair dryers, these harmful fibers can be unknowingly ingested or inhaled by individuals in the surrounding area.

  Once in the body, asbestos fibers cannot be broken down. Instead, they can sometimes become lodged in the tissues that line the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. Over time, the presence of asbestos fibers in these locations can lead to inflammation and, in some cases, the development of a rare cancer known as mesothelioma.

Individuals Affected by Asbestos Baby Powder and Hair Dryers

  Certain individuals have been placed at exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure from baby powder and hair dryers over the years. Individuals at particularly high risk include:

• Manufacturing workers
• Talc miners
• Infants
• Other consumers

*  Cigarette Filters

  In the 1950s, cigarette filters were first introduced as a way to help decrease the amount of smoke and tar inhaled when smoking. At the time, health concerns surrounding cigarettes and tobacco were still largely misunderstood, but some companies began producing filters for use in cigarettes with claims that the new filtered products could prevent dry throat and other uncomfortable reactions to cigarette tar and smoke.

Asbestos Cigarette Filter Manufacturers

  Most cigarette filters were made of absorbent cotton, cellulose acetate fibers and crepe paper, but in 1951, the Lorillard Tobacco Company introduced a revolutionary product, said to contain a secret filtering material that could trap particles as small as one micron. The secret material—now known to be asbestos—had previously been used by the United States Army during World War II to provide filtration in gas masks and atomic energy plants.

  Lorillard's new product, named "Micronite," was widely used in the company's Kent cigarettes from 1951 until 1956. In fact, from 1952 to 1956, an estimated 13 billion Kent Micronite filtered cigarettes were sold in the U.S. The new cigarette filters were touted as "the greatest health protection in cigarette history" in advertisements claiming that Micronite was a "pure, dust-free, completely harmless material," perfect for smokers who were unusually sensitive to tars and nicotine.

  However, medical experts have since identified the "completely harmless" secret ingredient used in Kent Micronite cigarettes as crocidolite asbestos (also called "African blue" asbestos), a known carcinogen which some experts believe is the most hazardous of the six types of asbestos. Kent Micronite filters contained as much as 30 percent crocidolite asbestos, which when inhaled, can lodge in the lungs and lead to the development of lung inflammation, lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma. Researchers estimate that people who smoked one pack per day of Kent Micronite filtered cigarettes would have inhaled 131 million crocidolite asbestos fibers each year.

Potential Hazards of Asbestos Cigarette Filters

  Many individuals who used asbestos-containing cigarette filters and those who worked in factories producing the asbestos-containing filters have since experienced health complications as a result of asbestos exposure.

  A 1989 survey of 33 people who worked in a Massachusetts cigarette filter factory between 1951 and 1957 found that almost 20 had died from asbestos-related diseases.

  Researchers have determined that even short exposure (a few months) to high quantities of crocidolite asbestos can lead to major health complications and even death.

  Factories that produced asbestos cigarettes and cigarette filters were particularly dangerous for asbestos exposure. The factories were often dusty and dry, with workers often having to cut open and handle large burlap bags full of crocidolite asbestos fibers which could easily be inhaled or ingested when airborne.

  Individuals at risk for asbestos exposure related to cigarette filters include:

• Consumers who smoked Kent cigarettes from 1952 to 1956
• Workers employed at the Lorillard Tobacco Company factories in Jersey City, NJ, or Louisville
• Those who worked at Hollinsworth & Vose Company (also called H&V Specialties) in West Groton or Rochdale, Massachusetts

*  Marine Panels and Navy Sealer

  Asbestos was widely used in a variety of different boating and shipping construction products throughout the 1900s. Two marine products commonly made with asbestos include:

• Marine panels
• Navy sealer

  While the use of asbestos in these products was largely phased out in the late 1980s, many older boats and ships may still contain asbestos materials.

Marine Panels

  Marine panels containing asbestos have been used in a wide variety of boating parts, such as ceilings, balcony panels, decking, doors, bulkheads and furniture, among others.

  Asbestos was an appealing material for the construction of marine panels because the substance is sturdy, water-resistant, fire-resistant, inexpensive and flexible. Because of these properties, asbestos was commonly used in marine panels found in almost every area of boats and ships.

Navy Sealer

  Asbestos-containing Navy sealer was also commonly used during boat and ship construction. Navy sealer was used on a variety of different products, including cement, floor tiles and wood, in order to prevent damage caused by exposure to potentially-destructive outside forces such as moisture, heat and weathering. The sealant material could be applied to seams, crevices and cracks to prevent water leakage and other potential problems. Navy sealer could also provide insulating abilities to a vessel.

  Asbestos helped provide insulation to sealer materials, as well as durability and sturdiness. Like marine panels, Navy sealer was commonly used in almost all areas of boats and ships.

Boats and Ships Containing Marine Panels and Navy Sealer

  Marine panels and Navy sealer containing asbestos have been used in a variety of different boats and ships over the years. Common boats and ships that have been made with the products include:

• Battleships
• Aircraft carriers
• Submarines
• Cruisers
• Coast Guard boats
• Auxiliary ships
• Destroyers
• Patrol boats
• Frigates
• Recreational boats

  Marine panels and Navy sealer that contain asbestos may also have been used in other types of ships or boats not listed above. The material can become dangerous if the asbestos fibers are released from the binder material into the air. If the materials are deteriorated or crumbling, the products should not be disturbed by anyone other than an asbestos professional.

Individuals Affected by Asbestos Marine Panels and Navy Sealer

  Some workers may have been placed at a high risk of exposure to asbestos during activities that required prolonged handling or interaction with asbestos-containing marine panels or Navy sealer. Workers at a high risk of asbestos exposure include:

• Manufacturing workers
• Ship builders
• Sailors and recreational boaters
• Members of the Navy or the Coast Guard
• Maintenance workers
• Demolition crews

*  Sheet Packing and Sheet Rope

  A wide variety of insulating materials were made with asbestos during the mid-1900s. Two common insulating materials include:

• Sheet packing
• Sheet rope

  Asbestos was commonly used as a component of sheet packing and sheet rope because it provided resistance to high temperatures, as well as excellent durability and flexibility. Its cost effective nature also made it an appealing material for the products.

  While the use of asbestos in these materials was phased out during the 1980s, sheet packing and sheet rope that contain asbestos may still be present in a number of industrial settings.

Sheet Packing

  Sheet packing that contains asbestos was used to insulate products commonly found on ships and vessels. The material was used to protect equipment exposed to high temperatures such as:

• Gaskets
• Gears
• Valves
• Pumps
• Joints

  Sheets of asbestos fibers mixed with a binding material are compressed to form sheet packing, which can then be cut into various shapes and sizes and used in engine parts and other mechanical applications to resists the effects of steam, high pressure, water, oil and other chemicals. Gaskets or packing materials made from rubber can break down under extreme pressures, but asbestos holds up fairly well when heated.

Sheet Rope

  Sheet rope that contains asbestos was used to provide insulation for many different products commonly exposed to extreme temperatures, including:

• Boilers
• Pipes
• Furnaces
• Refrigerators

Individuals Affected by Asbestos Sheet Packing and Sheet Rope

  In the workforce, certain individuals were placed at a higher risk of asbestos exposure, as they handled asbestos sheet packing and sheet rope. If the sheet packing or sheet rope was damaged, cut, sawed or sanded, microscopic asbestos fibers could be released into the air. Airborne asbestos fibers can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested by individuals in the surrounding area.

  Workers at a particularly high risk include:

• Construction workers
• Maintenance workers
• Demolition crews
• Navy veterans
• Shipyard workers and sailors
• Sheet gasket manufacturing plant workers

  While the workers listed above are generally at high risk of asbestos exposure from sheet packing and sheet rope, the products have placed numerous other individuals at risk.

*  Asbestos in Clay

  Clays are made up of a number of different minerals that become moldable and plastic-like when wet. When clays are subjected to heat through the process of firing in a high-temperature oven or kiln, the water is driven out of the clay and the material becomes irreversibly hard and cured, like stone.

  Clays are supplied in both wet and dry forms, and other materials are often added to dry clay in order to change the composition of the final material. Dry clay is composed of aluminum silicates which are mixed with water in a clay mixer machine.

Presence of Asbestos in Clay

  Since clay is often subjected to high temperatures, the mineral asbestos was often added to certain dry clays in order to lower the temperature at which clay needed to be heated.

  As long ago as 2500 B.C., the combination of asbestos and clay was used in Finland to give clay pots added strength upon firing.

  In the 20th century in America, asbestos often found its way into dry clay mixes and modeling clay mixes accidentally. Talc, vermiculite and other clay additives were often discovered to be contaminated with asbestos fibers, which, in turn, contaminated the clay with the potentially-dangerous fibers.

  Asbestos-containing clay had many uses, including:

• Modeling clays
• Pipe joint seals
• Pipe insulation
• Pottery and ceramics
• Instant papier-mâché mixes (manufactured prior to the mid-1970s)
• Firebricks

Asbestos in Children's Modeling Clay

  Modeling clay compounds used by children have often been found to contain high amounts of asbestos fibers. In 1982, New Jersey school authorities determined that asbestos was present in certain packages of "Fibro-Clay," a modeling compound used to make papier-mâché artwork in schools. The product was supplied in powder form, which allowed the dry asbestos particles to be inhaled or ingested easily when the product was mixed with water during use. Ironically, the Fibro-Clay product had been initially labeled as "non-toxic."

  Authorities determined that the Fibro-Clay modeling compound could contain as much as 50 percent chrysotile asbestos, a dangerous type of asbestos fiber that likely originated from contaminated talc powder in the clay manufacturing process. A recall was soon issued by the manufacturer of Fibro-Clay, Milton Bradley, as well as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Milton Bradley stated that asbestos was used in the compound from 1967 until 1972. After the recall, many health departments urged school districts and consumers to only use talc-free clay and avoid clays supplied in powder form.

Hazards of Asbestos in Clay

  Asbestos is particularly dangerous if found in clay, as the mixing process of dry clay can easily result in airborne asbestos particles. Dry clay is often ground to a powder before mixing, and asbestos fibers can easily escape from the mixture and be released into the air, where they can be inhaled and become lodged in the lungs.

  Asbestos-clay dust can be extremely toxic if inhaled or ingested, as the fibers can lead to lung scarring, asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and other cancers. Dried clay that is chipped or sanded can also produce clay dust that releases asbestos into the air.

  Individuals at risk for exposure to clay containing asbestos include:

• Clay mixers
• Art teachers
• Pottery studio owners or workers
• Artists
• Custodians and others involved in cleaning up or sweeping up clay dust

  Clay that contains asbestos is particularly dangerous if handled during the clay mixing process, as the process generates a large quantity of dust. When dry clay is poured into a clay mixer, tiny particles of silica, talc, asbestos and other particles are released into the air, where they can then be inhaled.

*  Firebrick

  Firebrick, or refractory brick, is a block of ceramic material made from clay that is used to line high-temperature areas such as furnaces. The brick is designed to withstand extreme heat, contain or stop fires from spreading from a designated area and reduce potential damage in the event of an explosion.

  Firebricks may be used to contain fires in the following structures:

• Chimneys
• Boilers
• Furnaces
• Kilns
• Stoves
• Fireboxes
• Fireplaces

  This material has also been used in construction as a type of building brick.

  Asbestos was added to firebricks during the early 1900s due to the material's durability, strength and flame-retardant properties. Although firebricks are no longer manufactured with asbestos fibers, older homes or buildings may still contain asbestos firebricks.

Hazards of Firebrick

  Firebricks were often lined or cemented with asbestos, as this mineral is fire-resistant and held together very well in extremely high temperatures. Workers who manufactured and installed firebricks may have been directly exposed to asbestos because many did not wear protective gear such as masks or gloves.

  Common industries that may have handled asbestos firebrick include:

• Masonry
• Bricklaying
• Refractory
• Metal foundries

  Sawing, grinding, sanding or damaging firebricks may cause the brick to emit asbestos fibers. Microscopic asbestos fibers that have become airborne may remain suspended in the air for hours or days if the brick becomes damaged. Those in contact with the material may inhale or ingest the fibers.

  Bricks that are whole and intact are not considered to be a health hazard, as the asbestos is contained within the brick and is unable to escape. If a fire brick is friable, or is able to be crushed, pulverized or crumbled through the use of hand pressure, then it is considered to be dangerous.

*  Plastics

  Plastics are defined as a mixture of polymers which can be molded into various forms when subjected to heat or pressure. Plastics are divided into two main categories—thermoplastics and thermosettings.

  At room temperature, thermoplastics are solid, polymer pellets that require the addition of heat to be melted into various shapes, while thermosetting plastics are typically a liquid at room temperature. Thermosetting plastics require a catalyst in order to be converted to a solid and "cured."

History of Plastics & Asbestos

  The first major plastic invention occurred in 1907, when Leo Hendrik Baekeland discovered a moldable, inexpensive, nearly indestructible resin he called Bakelite. Bakelite was widely used in the early 1900s in the automotive and electrical industries, and the plastic was used in everything from telephones to steering wheels during this time.

  Prized for its ability to withstand heat, flames and electrical current, Bakelite and other early plastics may have contained the mineral asbestos. Minerals were often added to plastics to serve as a filler agent, adding strength, stiffness, chemical resistance, thermal stability and safety. Popular reinforcement fillers include fiberglass, cellulose, carbon and asbestos. In fact, an estimated 2.9 percent of all reinforcement materials were asbestos fibers up until the late 1980s. In the mid-1980s, researchers estimate that most plastics contained as much as 17 percent asbestos.

  Asbestos was widely used in the following types of plastics:

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride polymer) in vinyl asbestos tile
• Nylon
• Polypropylene
• Polyesters

  The mineral could be added during the manufacturing process in the form of loose fibers, asbestos mats, paper, yarn, felt or cloth.

Uses for Asbestos-Reinforced Plastics

  Asbestos-reinforced plastics and asbestos-filled plastics were used in thousands of products until the late 1980s, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the manufacture, processing and distribution of most products containing asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in the following plastic products, in addition to many others:

• Arc chutes
• Cladding panels
• Electrical panels and partitions
• Switching panels
• Terminal boards and blocks
• Vinyl floor tile
• Vinyl sheet flooring
• Vinyl wallpaper
• Plastic casings for switches and controllers

  Today, asbestos can be found in many products manufactured prior to the late-1980s. Modern-day alternatives to asbestos filler include cotton, carbon fiber, fiberglass, clays, mica, talc and Wollastonite.

Hazards of Asbestos-Reinforced Plastics

  As long as asbestos-reinforced plastics are left undisturbed and are in good condition, they do not pose a significant health hazard. However, if plastics containing asbestos are significantly worn, aged or otherwise deteriorated, microscopic asbestos particles may become dislodged from the material and pose a health hazard.

  Asbestos fibers can easily become airborne if embedded fibers are disturbed or released during sawing, sanding, drilling or cutting. When airborne asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, the materials can become lodged in the lungs and lead to the development of serious asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

  Airborne fibers can also travel through the air and land on the clothing of nearby individuals or family members, which can place other individuals at risk of asbestos exposure.

  People at risk for asbestos-reinforced plastics exposure include:

• Floor and wallpaper installers
• Demolition crews
• Truck drivers or railcar workers who transported the powdered plastic compound
• Electricians
• People who manufactured plastics and plastic molding compounds
• People who worked with compression molding or injection molding processes
• Remodelers

*  Glassbestos and Asbestos Micarta

  Used mainly in the 1900s, asbestos was incorporated into a variety of construction materials. Two of the most common building products that contained the substance include:

• Glassbestos
• Asbestos Micarta

    Asbestos is no longer used in these products but may be still be present in homes, offices, schools and other buildings constructed prior to the 1980s.

Glassbestos

  Glassbestos is a fine but sturdy substance composed of specific proportions of glass and asbestos. Another version of glassbestos, typically called glasbestos, is made of fiberglass and asbestos.

  Glassbestos was commonly used to provide building insulation, as the product is very strong, fire resistant and long-lasting. Glassbestos was frequently used in pipes and electrical wiring. A spin-off of glassbestos called glassbestos tape was touted for its flexibility and used to provide insulation in bent or sharp-angled locations. Glassbestos products were placed in both commercial buildings and homes.

Asbestos Micarta

  Asbestos Micarta refers to a brand name laminate material produced by Norplex-Micarta. The material is composed of asbestos and plastic, and was used to provide electrical insulation.

  The asbestos component of the material helped provide resistance to high temperatures, as well as the tensile and sturdy nature needed for versatile use. Asbestos Micarta has been employed in the construction, automotive and heavy equipment industries, among others.

  Asbestos Micarta was sometimes used in items such as:

• Knife handles
• Pool cues
• Guitar fret boards

Glassbestos, Asbestos Micarta and Mesothelioma

  When glassbestos or Micarta is disturbed and microscopic asbestos fibers are released into the air, these fibers can unknowingly be inhaled or ingested by individuals in the surrounding area.

  Once in the body, asbestos fibers cannot be broken down. Instead, they can accumulate and infiltrate bodily tissues, such as those that line the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. Over time, these fibers can lead to inflammation and, in some cases, the development of a rare cancer known as mesothelioma.

Individuals Affected by Glassbestos and Asbestos Micarta

  Those with the highest risk of asbestos exposure are workers who removed or repaired glassbestos or asbestos Micarta, or those who worked directly in the manufacturing processes of the materials. Additonally, demolition workers or construction crews may have been exposed to the materials during construction projects.

*  Silicate Calsilite

  Asbestos was used in a wide range of construction and industrial products throughout the 1900s. One of the most common products made with the substance was Silicate Calsilite.

  Silicate Calsilite was a brand name insulation product made by the General Aniline and Film Corporation (GAF). The product was used to provide block and pipe insulation for equipment that frequently reached high temperatures. With its resistance to high temperatures and its durability, strength and flexibility, asbestos constituted a key component of Silicate Calsilite.

  Silicate Calsilite was first produced during the late 1800s. While the use of Silicate Calsilite that contains asbestos was discontinued during the 1970s, the product may still be present in older machinery or equipment.

Types of Silicate Calsilite

  GAF produced three different types of Silicate Calsilite, all designed to meet different industrial and commercial purposes. The three forms of Silicate Calsilite manufactured by the company include:

• Calsilite Hi – Calsilite Hi was intended to insulate equipment or products that reached temperatures of up to 1800 °F
• Calsilite – Calsilite was intended for equipment or products that reached temperatures of up to 1250 °F
• Calsilite SS – Calsilite SS was intended specifically as an insulation material for stainless steel pipes

Silicate Calsilite and Mesothelioma

  Those who live in a home or who work in a building with asbestos may inhale or ingest asbestos fibers that have become airborne though a disturbance of Silicate Calsilite.

  Once asbestos fibers are in the body, they cannot be dislodged and can become stuck within the tissues that surround the lungs and the digestive tract. The presence of asbestos fibers in these locations can cause inflammation and may lead to serious health conditions including mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer.

Individuals Affected by Silicate Calsilite

  Certain workers have been placed at an exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure due to occupational tasks that required extensive handling of Silicate Calsilite. Such workers include:

• Manufacturing plant employees
• Construction or maintenance workers
• Demolition crews

  Numerous people were exposed to asbestos because of Silicate Calsilite, forcing GAF to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection in 2001 in order to deal with the large number of asbestos-related claims made against the company.

*  Asbestos Valve Insulation Jackets & ASB Weatherproof Jackets

  Valve insulation jackets and ASB weatherproof jackets are types of insulation materials that are applied to joints and valves in industrial or commercial industries. The jacket helps maintain the desired internal temperature within the valve system.

   Asbestos was commonly added to this material during the mid-1900s, as asbestos fibers are durable and heat-resistant.

Hazards of Valve Insulation Jackets

  Valve insulation jackets are composed of sewn material that holds high-density insulation material within the jacket. The jacket is placed around equipment and may be applied to machines located indoors or outdoors. By maintaining the required valve temperature, the valve insulation jackets ensure the proper flow of materials within the machinery.

  The jackets may be applied to the following industrial equipment:

• Valves
• Pipe work
• Flanges
• Boilers
• Generators
• Expansion joints
• Other temperature-sensitive equipment

  Valve insulation jackets are no longer manufactured with asbestos materials but may be present in homes that were manufactured between the 1930s and 1970s. Materials that are in good condition are not considered to be a health concern.

  Over time, valve insulation jackets may wear down or become friable. If the material is disturbed, it may release asbestos fibers into the air.

  Asbestos fibers may be emitted into the air when a worker is performing the following duties, among others:

• Sawing
• Cutting
• Breaking
• Cutting
• Scraping

  Valve insulation jackets were applied in universities, residential homes, offices and other commercial buildings. The material was often used in factories, steam pressure equipment, turbines, furnaces, boiler rooms and other equipment.

  Certified asbestos abatement professionals should be contacted to remove friable asbestos materials. Professional contractors should use equipment and follow national safety standards during the removal of asbestos-containing valve insulation jackets.

Valve Insulation Jackets and Mesothelioma

  Once released from damaged materials, asbestos fibers may remain suspended in the air for several hours or days. Sweeping or cleaning up an area with fibers can emit settled fibers back into the air. People who handle or service asbestos-containing valve insulation jackets may have experienced asbestos exposure.

  Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and become lodged in the body. The fibers can stick in the thin membrane called the mesothelium that covers internal organs. Once in the mesothelium, the fibers cannot be expelled. Asbestos can cause prolonged inflammation of the membrane, which can lead to mesothelioma.

*  Asbestos Agricultural Filler

  Asbestos was used in a wide variety of products throughout the 1900s. One common product that was made with asbestos was agricultural filler, a composite mixture of additives that could be blended with plastics and other compounds in order to alter the chemical and physical properties of the final material. By adding agricultural fillers and asbestos fibers to plastics and other materials, the materials could be strengthened and the quality could be improved with relatively low cost.

   Agricultural filler was used for a variety of different purposes in the manufacturing industry and was commonly made of agricultural byproducts, including:

• Grains
• Soy hull
• Soy stems
• Rice straw
• Wheat straw
• Shell husks
• Grass
• Corn

   Asbestos was often added to agricultural filler in order to provide resistance to high temperatures, as well as added strength and durability. The cost-effective nature of asbestos also made the product an appealing component for agricultural filler.

Uses for Agricultural Filler

  Agricultural filler could be found in a variety of different products, depending on the materials used. Prior to the 1970s and 1980s, when the potential dangers of asbestos were discovered, asbestos fibers were often added to agricultural fillers used in both thermoset and thermoplastic polymer plastics. Asbestos-containing agricultural filler could be used in polyesters, nylon, PVC (polyvinyl chloride polymer), polypropylene, resins and other plastic materials.

  Some examples of products that could contain agricultural filler and asbestos fibers include:

• Automotive panels
• Brake pads and shoes
• Clutch facings
• Seals and gaskets
• Wall panels
• Ceiling tiles
• Furniture
• Doors
• Vinyl floor tiles
• Vinyl wallpaper
• Electrical panels and partitions

Hazards of Agricultural Filler

  Products that contain agricultural filler were used in a wide range of homes and commercial buildings, as well as other structures and products. The materials may pose a health hazard if asbestos fibers become dislodged or released into the air. It is important to avoid cutting, ripping, sawing or drilling materials that may contain asbestos as a filler, as the fibers can then become airborne and be inhaled. Inhaled asbestos fibers can become lodged in the body and cause numerous health problems, including asbestos-related diseases, mesothelioma and lung inflammation.

*  Asbestos Cord

  Asbestos was used to make a wide variety of products during the 1900s. One of the most common products that contained the harmful substance was asbestos cord.

  Asbestos cord is a versatile material composed of interwoven asbestos fibers. The cord has been used in a number of different products to serve a variety of purposes over the years. The strong, flexible and fire-proof nature of asbestos made the substance an appealing base for the construction of a sturdy cord. Its cost-effective nature also contributed to its appeal.

  While the use of asbestos cord was discontinued during the 1980s, the material may still be present in a number of older products.

Uses of Asbestos Cord

  Asbestos cord has been used in both common household items as well as industrial products. Household items that frequently contained asbestos cord include:                                                   

• Ironing board covers
• Oven mitts
• Fire blankets
• Kettles and frying pans
• Small appliances

  Industrial equipment that was commonly made with asbestos cord includes:

• Thermal insulation systems
• Heat conduction systems
• Pipe wrapping

  Asbestos cord could also be found in other products not listed above, such as windows and automobile engines.

Asbestos Cord and Mesothelioma

  Asbestos cord that has been disturbed can cause asbestos fibers to become airborne where individuals in the area may unknowingly inhale or ingest the fibers. Asbestos fibers can then make their way into bodily tissues that line the organs, such as those that line the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract.

  The body cannot break down asbestos fibers, and the presence of asbestos in the body can cause inflammation and the development of mesothelioma.

Individuals Affected by Asbestos Cord

  Certain workers have been placed at exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure due to occupational tasks that require extensive handling of asbestos cord. These workers include:

• Manufacturing workers
• Industrial workers
• Car mechanics
• Maintenance workers
• Construction workers
• Demolition workers

  In addition to the workers listed above, asbestos cord may have placed numerous other individuals, such as students, homeowners and office workers, among others, at risk of exposure over the years.

*  Asbestos Wick

  Wicking materials are primarily used to transfer or absorb various fluids such as water or oil. Wicking material typically consists of fibrous materials such as cellulose, wood fibers, cotton, wool, fiberglass, rayon, polyester, nylon or asbestos, which work to naturally absorb and transport fluids through capillary action.

Asbestos in Wick Material

  Asbestos was often used as a wicking material from the 1920s until the 1950s in various applications, such as in wickless oil stoves, automobiles, appliances, power tools and military equipment. When sheets of asbestos felt were pressed together under extreme pressure, the fibers would interlock, creating an extremely strong, absorbent and flame-retardant pressed sheet. The pressed felt could then be wound and twisted into rope to create asbestos wicks.

  Asbestos wicks were prized for their superior resistance to chemicals, heat and flame, as well as their ability to absorb large quantities of liquid. Since asbestos wick material naturally would not catch fire itself, the material was often added to regular cotton lamp wicks to provide added strength, as well as to reduce the need for trimming or replacing wick material. Some asbestos wicks utilized in oil lamps in the 1920s and 1930s could last for up to 12 months before they required trimming.

Uses for Asbestos Wick Material

  Asbestos wick could be found in a variety of applications requiring the lubrication or absorption of oils or other fluids. Wick material was also present in situations involving sound or vibration absorption.

  Uses for asbestos wick material include:

• Fluid absorption
• Fluid transfer
• Seals
• Gaskets
• Vibration control
• Cushioning
• Oil/grease removal from surfaces
• Lubrication

  Wick material containing asbestos could be found in the following brand name products, in addition to others:

• Atomic Asbestos Woven Wicking
• Victory Asbestos Wick (from Atlas Asbestos Company)
• Flamemaster Asbestos Wicking (from Atlas Asbestos Company)

Hazards of Asbestos Wick

  Asbestos fibers can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested, and asbestos wick material can pose a significant health hazard if the material becomes frayed, damaged or otherwise disturbed during or after use. Microscopic asbestos fibers can easily become airborne if the wicking material is aged or worn, and the fibers can lodge in body tissues and cause significant damage over time. Asbestos exposure has been linked to serious health conditions such as lung cancer, lung scarring, asbestosis, mesothelioma and other types of cancers.

  While asbestos was banned to some extent in the late 1980s by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the material may still be found in materials manufactured prior to the ban.

*  Cooling Towers

  Cooling towers are water-recycling devices or structures used to dissipate excess heat produced by industrial processes. The towers are commonly used in hydroelectric plants, nuclear plants, petroleum refineries, processing plants and in large buildings such as hospitals and schools to extract waste heat into the atmosphere by means of evaporation and natural air cooling. By bringing heated water in contact with air inside the towers, the water is able to cool and be reused as a coolant.

  Large cooling towers can reach heights as high as 400 feet, cooling hundreds of thousands of gallons of water each minute in order for the water to be cooled to temperatures as low as 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.

  Power plants and other buildings that generate large amounts of heat require cooling towers for environmental reasons, as heated water cannot be released into oceans or rivers due to the potential risk to wildlife and ecosystems.

How a Cooling Tower Works

  In a cooling tower, the cooling process begins when heated waste water is pumped to the top of a cooling tower structure. The water then flows down with the force of gravity into various partitions within the tower, while an upward stream of air passes over the water.

  The inner partitions, also known as the "fill," resemble a latticework that turns the stream of water into tiny droplets. Small droplets of water will evaporate more easily and transfer heat more quickly within the structure, as there is an increased surface area exposed to the surrounding air. The fill can be a splash fill or a film fill, depending on the type of fill material used.

  A small percentage (2 to 5 percent) of the water evaporates into the atmosphere and may form the visible plume of mist that escapes from the top of a cooling tower.

Asbestos Used in Cooling Towers

  Prior to the 1980s, asbestos was often used in the construction of cooling towers. Asbestos was most commonly found in the inner "fill" material, as thin, layered sheets of asbestos cement or asbestos paper could provide resistance to heat and conductivity.

  Additional uses for asbestos within cooling towers include:

• Wall coatings
• Fittings
• Laggings
• Insulation
• Cement water pipes
• Adhesives
• Cement board and walls
• Exterior louvers (slats that admit air into the tower)
• Interior partitions

Hazards of Asbestos in Cooling Towers

  Cooling towers that utilize asbestos materials can pose a health hazard, as the evaporation of water from the tower can release asbestos fibers into the air. The risk is increased if the asbestos material has disintegrated or the asbestos cement has been damaged or dissolved over time. Asbestos fibers can easily attach to water molecules and be carried out of the tower and into the atmosphere.

  Since the 1980s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has required the removal and replacement of most asbestos components of cooling towers. If asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested from surrounding air, the fibers can permanently lodge in lung tissue and lead to complications such as lung scarring, asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and other cancers.

  Individuals who may have been exposed to asbestos from cooling towers include:

• Those who lived or worked in or near cooling towers
• Demolition crews who worked with cooling towers

Source : http://www.asbestos.com/