Asbestos Products

Products and Materials Containing Asbestos 

U.S. companies no longer produce asbestos products, but they still import some. These products include aftermarket brakes, oilfield brake blocks, industrial gaskets and some building materials. 

Talc products can also become contaminated with asbestos. In recent years, baby powder, children’s makeup and toys, personal hygiene products and cosmetics have tested positive for asbestos.

Asbestos was common in homes, schools and offices until the late 1970s. It was used in flooring, roofing, insulation and plumbing. However, as these products age or get disturbed during renovations, they can release harmful fibers into the air. This poses a serious risk of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was widely used in various industries from the late 1800s to the 1980s. This includes chemical refining, construction, manufacturing and power generation. Some products still in use today contain asbestos. In the 1970s, regulations limited its use in the U.S. The chlor-alkali industry still imports raw chrysotile asbestos to make diaphragms for chlorine production.

Common Industrial and Commercial Asbestos-Containing Products

Manufacturers used asbestos in a wide range of construction materials, including cement products, ceiling and floor tiles and roofing shingles. Some coatings, friction products, gaskets and heat-resistant fabrics also contained asbestos.  

Construction workers were exposed to asbestos while working on homes and buildings. This happened when they handled pipes, insulation, electrical panels and more. Auto mechanics face exposure from brakes and clutches.

Industrial and Commercial Asbestos Products

• Adhesives
• Automotive parts
• Cement
• Construction mastics & gunning mix
• Diaphragms
• Duct connectors
• Electrical components
• Felt
• Fireproofing
• Gaskets
• Insulation
• Laboratory equipment
• Plastics
• Cement sheets
• Textiles
• Tiles
• Vinyl products

Asbestos exposure mostly came from the construction and automotive industries. However, there are surprising sources too. For instance, workers were exposed to asbestos in pizza ovens during their manufacture, operation and repair.

The chlor-alkali industry uses raw asbestos to make diaphragm filters. As the U.S. Geological Survey reported, the industry imported 224 tons of raw chrysotile asbestos in 2022 and consumed 150 tons in 2023. In March 2024, the Biden-Harris administration finalized regulations to ban chrysotile asbestos over the next 12 years. 

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Common Home and Consumer Asbestos-Containing Products

Many home products used before 1980 contain asbestos. These products include insulation, spackling compounds, paint and some appliances. Popcorn ceilings installed before that date had asbestos. Some paint products contained asbestos, such as those from now-closed Kelly-Moore Paints. 

Home and Consumer Asbestos Products

• Appliances
• Cigarette filters
• Potholders
• Ashtray coasters
• Wicking for gas ranges
• Fake snow
• Hair dryers
• Makeup
• Talcum powder
• Zonolite insulation

Homeowners fixing older homes might inhale asbestos fibers and dust. Those repairing floors and insulation in homes built before 1990 face high risks. Also, working on cars with aftermarket brake pads and clutch linings also poses an asbestos risk. Contaminated talc products can result in exposure for cosmetics consumers and children. 

What Is Asbestos Used For?

Asbestos is found in imported products, such as gaskets and brake pads, for its friction control. Most uses of asbestos in the U.S. have been phased out. It was a very popular additive in many textiles and building products to increase strength and fire resistance. 

Asbestos was used in fireproofing and insulation. It was part of the military’s shipbuilding boom in the 20th century. This was a common source of asbestos exposure for veterans.

Why Asbestos Was Used

• Abundant: Asbestos occurs naturally in mineral deposits around the world.
• Durable: Asbestos is resistant to heat, electricity and chemical corrosion.
• Fibrous: Asbestos ore pulls apart with a wooly consistency that works like other types of fiber.

While asbestos has useful qualities, it’s also highly carcinogenic. The body cannot effectively break down or expel all inhaled asbestos fibers. They are microscopic. Over time, these fibers can cause chronic inflammation, scar tissue and cancer. 

The 1970s saw an increase in lawsuits holding asbestos manufacturers liable for health complications from exposure. Many workers with mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer sued for medical costs and lost wages. 

Are Asbestos-Containing Products Banned?

A March 2024 ban on chrysotile asbestos ends U.S. imports and production of products that contain it. Companies have 12 years to comply with the new ban. They can still use, manufacture and import chrysotile asbestos during this time.  

Regulations also include the Clean Air Act and the Consumer Product Safety Act that ban several types of asbestos products. Regulatory agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitor and restrict asbestos use in consumer products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is evaluating talc safety.

Common Questions About Asbestos Products

Where are asbestos products commonly found?

Common sources of asbestos in homes include cement, roof shingles and floor tiles. Examples of products containing asbestos in schools include ceiling tiles, wallboard and HVAC ductwork.

Is asbestos still used in products?

In the United States, some products like brake pads and gaskets still contain asbestos. However, if they contain less than 1% asbestos, they don’t need warning labels.

What products contain asbestos?

Old sources of asbestos in home goods include fabrics, stoves, dryers and coffee pots. Contaminated talc is another source of exposure. Reports also show asbestos in makeup and toys, such as crayons and crime lab kits.

What are the health risks if I have asbestos in my home or building?

Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath often take decades to show up after long exposure.

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