The Veterans Asbestos Alliance

Asbestos has a long history, with records of its use dating back thousands of years. However, it was not mined on a commercial scale until the late 19th century when its unique properties—such as resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals, as well as its strength—made it a popular material for manufacturing and construction. Unfortunately, asbestos fibers, when disturbed, become airborne and can be inhaled or ingested, leading to serious health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

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While asbestos exposure is most commonly associated with occupational settings, it is important to understand that many asbestos-containing products were used in everyday life, often without people knowing the risks. These products were marketed as safe and effective, with widespread use in homes, schools, and public buildings. Individuals who handled or installed these products, as well as their families, were unknowingly exposed to asbestos fibers, significantly increasing their risk of developing mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease later in life.

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Here are some common household and industrial products that were made with asbestos:

- **Insulation materials**: Asbestos was frequently used in pipe insulation, attic insulation (like vermiculite), and as a spray-on coating for walls and ceilings to prevent fires and reduce energy costs.
- **Flooring and ceiling tiles**: Asbestos was mixed into vinyl and linoleum flooring, as well as ceiling tiles, for its fire-resistant properties. These materials were common in homes, schools, and public buildings.
- **Roofing and siding materials**: Asbestos was incorporated into cement roofing sheets, shingles, and siding materials to enhance durability and fire resistance, making it a popular choice for construction.
- **Household appliances**: Many older appliances, such as stoves, ovens, and toasters, contained asbestos in their insulation to prevent fires or overheating.
- **Automotive parts**: Asbestos was widely used in the automotive industry in products such as brake pads, clutch facings, and gaskets due to its heat resistance and durability.
- **Textiles**: Asbestos fibers were woven into fabrics used for fireproof clothing, such as firefighters' uniforms, as well as for household items like ironing board covers and heat-resistant gloves.
- **Adhesives, sealants, and coatings**: Many adhesives, caulks, and sealants used in home construction contained asbestos for its durability and resistance to heat.
 
This list is not exhaustive, but it highlights the wide range of everyday products that contained asbestos. The widespread use of asbestos across industries, coupled with the lack of awareness about its dangers at the time, led to significant public health risks. Today, those who were exposed—whether at home or in the workplace—are at risk for developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, often decades after exposure.

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