Asbestos

Asbestos can cause various cancers, including mesothelioma, lung, laryngeal and ovarian cancers, as well as noncancerous lung conditions. However, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry notes that not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop health issues; the amount inhaled and the duration of exposure matter.

Asbestos-Related Diseases

• Asbestosis
• Diffuse pleural thickening
• Laryngeal cancer
• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Ovarian cancer
• Pleural effusion
• Pleural plaques
• Pleurisy

Many people with related diseases were exposed to asbestos for long periods, while others were only exposed for a few weeks or months. Chuck Gast, a survivor of pleural mesothelioma, shared his experience of developing the disease just 6 weeks after working with asbestos at a furnace factory.

“I was 27 years old and never thought something like this would come back to haunt me,” Gast said. “That’s one job I should have never taken.”

Most people are exposed to asbestos at work, especially in power plants, chemical plants, steel and textile mills, factories, shipyards and automotive repair shops. Workers can bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes and body, exposing their families.

Asbestos can also be found in homes, public buildings and the environment. People living near natural deposits or contaminated sites may encounter asbestos. Many consumer products in the U.S. used to contain asbestos.

Occupations With High Asbestos Use

Asbestos was widely used in manufacturing, construction, power generation and the military. Workers in these diverse fields encountered asbestos. They unknowingly brought home asbestos fibers. This caused secondhand exposure among their families and others in the house.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reported that from 1940 to 1979, around 27 million workers were exposed to asbestos. Today, about 1.3 million workers in construction and industry still face asbestos exposure risks. Regulations have made workplaces safer, but some jobs, like those in the chlor-alkali industry, still risk asbestos exposure.

Asbestos-Containing Products

U.S. companies produced thousands of asbestos-containing products until the 1980s. Legacy products found in renovation or demolition work currently cause the most exposure. Old buildings that contain legacy asbestos products pose the most significant risk.

Discontinued Asbestos Building Materials

• Asbestos adhesives, sealants and coatings
• Asbestos cement
• Asbestos-reinforced plastics
• Asbestos roofing felt
• Vinyl asbestos floor tiles

Long-term exposure to asbestos-containing products occurs in occupational settings. These include factories, plants, construction sites and schools. Short-term exposure often happens at home during DIY renovations or auto brake work. 

Asbestos products for consumers are no longer made in the U.S. But they once included toasters, ovens, ironing pads and hair dryers. Cosmetics and toys have also exposed people to asbestos-contaminated talc.

Asbestos Suppliers and Manufacturers

Many manufacturers used asbestos in steam engines, pipes and trains. Later, it was used in boilers, gaskets, cement, roofing shingles and brake pads for cars.

Top asbestos companies are Johns Manville and W.R. Grace & Co. Other companies include Pittsburgh Corning and Armstrong Industries. These companies made and sold asbestos-containing products, knowing they were risky for workers.

A 2019 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule states that manufacturers must seek government approval before selling discontinued uses of asbestos. Discontinued products include vinyl floor tiles, cement, roofing felt, adhesives, sealants and coatings. The EPA now has the right to review the risks of these materials before anyone can sell them.

The history of asbestos use dates to prehistoric times. Early humans added it to pottery for strength. Ancient Egyptians used asbestos in embalming to preserve pharaohs’ bodies. The ancient Greeks used its fire-resistant qualities for lamp wicks and funeral shrouds. In the Middle Ages, asbestos fibers were woven into textiles like tablecloths and clothing. ​

Industrial Era and Commercialization

The Industrial Revolution vastly increased asbestos use because of its insulating and fireproofing properties. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, asbestos was added to many products, including construction materials, automotive parts and household items.

Health Concerns and Regulation

Asbestos was widely used, but health concerns began in the early 20th century when workers in mines and factories showed high rates of lung issues. The first case of asbestosis was documented in 1924. By the 1960s, researchers linked asbestos exposure to mesothelioma, a rare cancer.

Because of rising health risk evidence, many countries started limiting asbestos use in the 1970s. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set guidelines to reduce exposure to asbestos, and industries pursued safer alternatives. 

Employers need to keep workplaces safe to avoid asbestos exposure and protect workers. Homes, military bases, offices, schools and public buildings built before the 1980s are less at risk.

It’s not safe for untrained individuals to remove asbestos. The EPA advises homeowners to avoid removing anything that could be asbestos. It’s better to hire certified asbestos professionals to protect your family.

These experts are trained to prevent asbestos exposure. Sometimes, leaving asbestos materials in place or sealing them is safer. For the best advice, talk to a certified local asbestos abatement expert.