Products Containing Asbestos
Asbestos is found in numerous products still being made today. Even though asbestos is not present in every commercial product, there are certainly compiled lists of materials which still contain the fiber. Some of these include adhesives and appliance components, as well as some automotive parts. Some of the parts include brakes, brake pads, and clutch plates. Chalkboards, paints and ceiling pads have also been found to contain various levels of asbestos as well. The Environmental Protection Agency has reported that a study had estimated approximately 3,000 consumer products that contained asbestos, varying in levels of concentration.
Regulation
Even though many believe that the federal government has banned the use of asbestos entirely, this is not completely accurate. In an attempt to combat health issues involved with asbestos, the government has simply regulated asbestos use in certain products. They have mostly regulated products that are used with a sprayer or sprayer attachment.
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Construction
Over the decades, many homes were fabricated with asbestos materials. Structures and buildings that were constructed before the regulation of the 1970s and ‘80s are more likely than construction to contain asbestos in one form or another. Asbestos have been used in the building and construction field for ceiling materials, drywall, insulation, as well as piping and heating systems. Decorative putties, caulking and spackles have all been found to contain asbestos, as well as joint compounds, sheet rock and wallboards. If a home had window gazing or products containing vermiculite, there is also a good chance that trace levels of asbestos are present. Roofing materials such as felts, tars or blackjack, and shingles are also likely sources.
Electrical Uses
Electrical products that are used to power up office buildings and homes have also been known to contain asbestos. A number of elevators have brake pads and panels that contain the material as well. HVAC systems, furnaces, heat shields, and ductwork are all known to carry trace levels of asbestos as well.
The most proficient way to find out if electric components or materials contain asbestos is to read the label and warnings that are posted on them. If the labels do not specifically state the presence of asbestos, call the manufacturer for a full list of materials used to fabricate the products. It is also possible to have products or supplies tested for asbestos.
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