Asbestos Usage in the United States
Since 1989 when the EPA banned the use of asbestos in most products, there’s been a lot of confusion about whether we are safe from asbestos exposure. Some of this confusion stems from the fact that this regulation was overturned in 1991 to reinstate those uses established prior to 1989, although no new uses would be allowed.
The most prevalent asbestos exposure occurs at construction sites, with the most exposure in demolition and renovation projects. Construction workers assigned to the removal of asbestos are most exposed, but others working nearby are also at risk. The U.S. Department of Labor OSHA claims that about 1.3 million people will be exposed to asbestos through their work environments. In addition to demolition and renovation of buildings, industries that still use asbestos include:
Manufacturing:
• Textiles
• Friction products
• Insulation
• Building products
* Siding, roofing, bricks, insulation and other exterior products
• Flooring materials: vinyl tiles and sheet flooring with asbestos backing, and leveling compound
• Ceilings or walls made of acoustic tiles, stippled finishes, plaster, tiles made of asbestos cement
• Insulation for pipes and ducts, boilers, incinerators, water systems, water heaters, gaskets used for pipe joints, walls, ceilings, floors and electrical wiring
• Thermal and fire proofing sprays for walls, decks, beams
• Duct tape
• Artificial fireplaces and furnaces
• Textured paints, spackling, cements
Automotive Industry:
• Brake repairs
• Clutch repairs
Asbestos was used in wallboard, flooring, counter tops, ceiling tiles, insulation and carpet padding in homes and buildings, including offices and schools constructed prior to the 1980s. People who live in an older home should have a professional tester check their homes for damage that can release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.
Home remodeling and “flipping” is a popular activity for property owners and investors. Yet people may not realize the danger from the dust they stir up by knocking out a wall, tearing up the carpet, or even being exposed to a damaged area that contains asbestos.
Although asbestos was commonly found in household products such as potholders, hair dryers and toasters, and personal products such as talcum powder, cosmetics and deodorants prior to 1980, today it isn’t used in the manufacture of products intended for the general public. Asbestos is primarily used in the manufacture of roofing compounds for commercial buildings, gaskets, friction products used on brakes and clutches. As for household products, you might want to display those older ones as antiques in a glassed in case.
Having used older household or personal items that contained asbestos, or exposure to damaged buildings, or through workplace may have put you at risk for an asbestos-related disease.
Please visit the website of Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for more information, or to schedule a free consultation.
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