Hazardous Products Containing Asbestos
The asbestos mineral possesses fireproof, waterproof, non-conductive, and other properties, which made it a popular additive in products before its partial ban in the 1980s. Common products that used asbestos include insulation, cement, water heaters, duct tape, and auto brake pads.
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that has been used in more than 3,000 different products. Its use continued long after the industry became aware of its dangers.
Asbestos is particularly insidious because it can be present without the knowledge of those exposed. The fibers are microscopic, and there are no known warning signs that point to potential exposure. Instead, the fibers quietly lodge themselves deeply into body tissues, where they cause damage for decades until the victim becomes irreversibly and fatally ill.
The Miracle Mineral
Asbestos has been used throughout human history. Ancient Greeks and Romans used it in clothing, linens and building materials. Its fireproof properties were so notable that soiled towels would be thrown into fires, from which they emerged clean and unharmed.
Asbestos was once nicknamed the “miracle mineral” because of its amazing properties:
- Fireproof
- Heatproof
- Soundproof
- Waterproof
- Non-conductive
- Resistant to chemicals
- Remarkable tensile strength
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Abundant
