Frequently Asked Asbestos Questions

How is Asbestos used?

Beginning in the late 1800s, asbestos was mined and used commercially in North America. Asbestos use increased during WWII and has since been used in many industries. For instance, the shipbuilding industry used it to insulate hot water pipes, steam pipes and boilers. Construction companies used asbestos for roofing, fire proofing, sound absorption and insulation. The automotive industry used it in clutch pads and vehicle brake shoes. Asbestos has also been found in:

• Ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles
• Coatings
• Paints
• Adhesives
• Plastics
• Vermiculite-containing consumer garden products
• Talc-containing crayons

During the 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned asbestos in gas fireplaces and wallboard patching because asbestos fibers could be released into the environment. Electric hairdryer manufacturers also voluntarily stopped using asbestos in their products. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required schools to inspect for damaged asbestos and eliminate asbestos exposure by removing or encasing it.

In 2000, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that children's exposure to asbestos in crayons was very low. Regardless, crayon manufacturers eliminated talc from their products. The EPA also responded to reports about health effects linked to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite. After several tests, the EPA discovered the vermiculite posed only a small health concern. The agency advised consumers to:

• Use vermiculite outside or in a well-ventilated area
• Keep vermiculite damp during use
• Use premixed potting soil to limit dust
• Avoiding bringing dust into the home

The above regulations, combined with public concern about asbestos health risks, have resulted in a large decrease of asbestos use in the United States.

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