How Asbestos Insulation Became Top Reason for the Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos Insulation: Asbestos was extensively utilized in insulation products for almost a century, posing a significant risk of exposure to numerous individuals. The exposure is closely associated with the development of diseases such as mesothelioma.

Even today, insulation products containing asbestos remain present in thousands of buildings across the nation. Some recognizable brands associated with these products include Zonolite, Kaylo, and Unibestos. 

 

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Why Asbestos Used for the Purpose of Insulation?

Asbestos found extensive use in various insulation products for close to a century. From the mid-1860s to the late 1970s, this mineral was a common component in numerous forms of insulation. Its application extended to buildings, machinery, pipes, boilers, and similar contexts.

Asbestos-based insulation stands as a major contributor to asbestos exposure, impacting thousands of workers and residents. Exposure to this hazardous material can result in severe health complications, including mesothelioma.

The development of asbestos-related diseases often occurs following the inhalation or ingestion of microscopic asbestos fibers. This exposure commonly transpires when friable (easily crumbled) asbestos products are disturbed. Once disturbed, these mineral fibers can become airborne and readily enter the body.

 

Asbestos Insulation History at a Glance

Alternate Names: Block insulation, fill insulation, loose insulation, pipe insulation, spray-on insulation

Manufactured Years: 1866 – 1990

Military Deployment: Aircraft, military barracks, ships, shipyards

Common Locations of Use: Attics, boilers, buildings, ceilings, factories, floors, manufacturing floors, residential buildings, sheet packing, ships, walls

Banned Use of Asbestos: Not banned

Prominent Brands: Kaylo (produced by Owens-Illinois, Inc.), Unibestos (manufactured by Pittsburgh Corning), Zonolite (manufactured by W.R. Grace)

 

 

Asbestos Insulation Regulations

During the 1970s to the 1990s, various U.S. federal agencies implemented regulations concerning asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Key regulatory actions include:

In 1973, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prohibited the use of spray-applied ACMs for fireproofing and insulation.

By 1975, the EPA banned the installation of asbestos pipe insulation and block insulation on components like boilers and hot water tanks.

In 1977, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) prohibited asbestos in artificial fireplace embers and wall patching compounds.

In 1978, the EPA extended the ban on spray-applied surfacing materials not covered in the 1973 restriction.

In 1990, the EPA further restricted materials with spray-on applications containing more than 1% asbestos.

Products manufactured before these regulations might still contain asbestos. Presently, specific types of insulation may contain up to 1% asbestos, as allowed by EPA guidelines.

 

Dangers of Asbestos in Insulation

Exposure to asbestos insulation can lead to the onset of several associated diseases, including:

• Asbestosis
• Asbestos-relatedcancers
• Laryngeal cancer
• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial)
• Ovarian cancer
• Non-cancerous conditions
• Pleural plaques
• Pleural thickening

A study conducted on insulators in Ireland, tracking 162 individuals from 1940 to 1975, revealed heightened mortality rates attributed to asbestos-related diseases. The research observed increased occurrences of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and bronchial carcinoma among this group. 

A comprehensive study assessing asbestos exposure across 13 different occupations, including insulators, pipefitters, and sheet metal workers, highlighted that insulators registered the highest levels of asbestos exposure. 

The study noted escalated exposure levels spanning from the 1940s to the 1950s. Subsequently, as industrial hygiene practices advanced, exposure began to decline by the 1970s. This reduction coincided with the introduction of regulatory measures by agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aimed at controlling asbestos use.

It's important to note that while higher levels of asbestos exposure don't automatically guarantee an asbestos-related disease, such exposure remains the primary cause of mesothelioma. Any degree of exposure to asbestos holds the potential to lead to an asbestos-related illness, such as mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer.

U.S. regulatory agencies have actively pursued efforts to mitigate asbestos exposure through the implementation of regulations and standards governing the handling of this mineral.

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List of Asbestos Insulation Products

Please check the below listed asbestos insulation products commonly used before 1980 across industries such as construction, metalworking, and shipbuilding. These products included:

Asbestos canvas

Asbestos rope

Asbestos sheets

Asbestos spray

Asbestos wool

Attic insulation

Block insulation

Calcium silicate

Cork covering

Insulation

Lagging

Marinite

Millboard

Pipe insulation

Rollboard

Sheet packing

Silicate calsilite

Sponge block

Vermiculite

Wicking

These products were prevalent in multiple industries due to their heat-resistant and insulating properties, commonly utilized in applications involving high temperatures or manufacturing processes requiring insulation.

 

Types of Asbestos Insulation

Asbestos insulation was employed for its resilience and resistance to heat and chemicals, and it can be categorized into four primary types based on its application and composition:

Block Insulation

The description you provided points to "block insulation," a type of insulation commonly found in semi-rigid slabs or blocks primarily composed of nearly pure asbestos. This type of insulation posed significant risks due to its high asbestos content. It was frequently employed to insulate various equipment, notably boilers, and was also utilized within wall structures.

Insulation Wrapping

The insulation you're describing fits the characteristics of "pipe insulation" made from asbestos. It was customarily molded to fit tightly around pipes, ducts, and plumbing systems. Over time, this insulation tended to degrade, becoming crumbly and releasing asbestos fibers into the air if disturbed. Its widespread use aboard ships poses a specific risk to naval veterans due to their potential exposure to this type of insulation.

Loose-fill Insulation

The description matches "attic insulation," a fluffy asbestos material commonly utilized in buildings to insulate attics and walls. This insulation was intended to fill empty spaces within structures and could be poured or blown into these areas. Due to its loose composition, it was highly susceptible to becoming airborne with minimal disturbance, posing a significant risk as asbestos fibers could easily be released into the air.

Spray-on Insulation

The insulation you're referring to aligns with "spray-on insulation," designed to streamline the installation process by being applied on ceilings and walls. However, this type of insulation is prone to damage, and any disruption can lead to the release of asbestos fibers. The U.S. has implemented stringent restrictions on spray insulation since 1990 due to the associated risks of asbestos exposure.  

Please note that a variety of insulation products potentially contained asbestos, extending beyond the commonly recognized types. These included:

Cement: Asbestos was incorporated into cement-based products for its strength and heat resistance.

Electrical Panels: Some electrical panel components contained asbestos due to its insulating properties.

Plaster: Asbestos was utilized in certain types of plaster for its fireproofing qualities.

Batt Insulation: Certain brands of batt insulation might have included asbestos for its insulation properties.

The decision to use asbestos in these products was influenced by its ability to endure high temperatures and its cost-effectiveness in manufacturing. Consequently, numerous companies integrated asbestos into their products to benefit from these advantageous properties.

 

 

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Asbestos Insulation Brand Spotlight

Insulation products frequently contained notably high concentrations of asbestos. For instance, certain millboard variants reportedly comprised as much as 85% asbestos content. These products found widespread use in both residential and commercial building construction.

The prevalence of asbestos insulation extended to diverse settings like businesses, factories, homes, hospitals, and schools.

Additionally, asbestos insulation wasn't solely limited to standalone insulation products; it was also utilized as lining material for various components such as boilers, steam pipes, and valves. This industrial application of asbestos insulation was commonplace within factories and plants across the United States.

Numerous manufacturers incorporated asbestos into their insulation materials. These manufacturers often engaged in the distribution and installation of these products through other asbestos companies. Moreover, companies frequently acquired and traded brands, complicating the process of tracing the responsible manufacturer.

Throughout the years, a multitude of companies were involved in the production and sale of asbestos insulation, contributing to its widespread use across various industries and settings.

 

List of Companies That Produced Asbestos Insulation

&S (ACandS)

Amatex Corporation

Armstrong Contracting and Supply

Celotex Corporation

Combustion Engineering

Crown Cork & Seal Company

E.J. Bartells Company

Eagle Picher

The Flintkote Company

GAF Corporation

Garlock Sealing Technologies

H.K. Porter (a brand from Apex Tool Group)

Johns-Manville

Kaiser Gypsum Company, Inc.

Keene Corporation

Melrath Gasket, Inc.

Metalclad Insulation Corporation

National Gypsum Company

New England Insulation

Nicolet/Keasbey & Mattison

Owens-Corning Fiberglas

Pittsburgh Corning (UNARCO Industries)

Raybestos/Raymark Industries, Inc.

Rock Wool Manufacturing Company

Turner & Newall

USG Company (United States Gypsum Company)

W.R. Grace

 

The history of asbestos use reveals that many companies were indeed aware of the associated risks of asbestos exposure.

Despite this knowledge, several companies failed to adequately protect their employees from the dangers posed by asbestos-containing materials.

Consequently, thousands of workers and consumers were exposed to these hazardous materials, leading to significant health concerns related to asbestos exposure.

This negligence in safeguarding individuals from asbestos exposure resulted in severe health implications for many individuals who came into contact with these materials, particularly in industries involving insulation and related asbestos-containing products.

 

 

Who Is at Risk of Asbestos Exposure From Insulation?

Asbestos exposure to asbestos insulation posed significant risks to a wide range of individuals, including workers, consumers, and bystanders.

Certain occupations, especially those directly involved in handling asbestos products, faced almost constant exposure to these materials.

Such individuals are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma due to prolonged and consistent contact with asbestos-containing products.

Throughout a considerable portion of the 20th century, asbestos insulation was essentially unavoidable in specific environments.

Notably, the U.S. Navy mandated the use of asbestos aboard its ships for an extended period, exposing countless naval personnel to the mineral.

While some occupations encountered asbestos sporadically, it's crucial to note that any level of asbestos exposure carries inherent risks.

Even intermittent exposure to asbestos-containing materials can be hazardous and potentially lead to severe health complications

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 Occupational Exposure Also Becoming A Threating Cause

Occupational exposure stands as one of the primary routes of encountering asbestos. However, secondhand or secondary exposure to asbestos can be equally perilous.

This occurs when asbestos fibers settle on the clothing or belongings of individuals who work directly with asbestos-containing materials.

Later, these fibers can be disturbed when handling contaminated clothing or items, leading to their inhalation by family members and loved ones.

Even though individuals experiencing secondary exposure to asbestos may not have worked directly with asbestos, inhaling these disturbed fibers still poses significant health risks.

Secondary exposure is known to cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, highlighting the severe implications of inadvertent contact with asbestos fibers brought home by those working in asbestos-rich environments.

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Asbestos Lawsuits, Settlements & Other Compensation

Please note that victims of asbestos exposure who have developed asbestos-related diseases may pursue compensation for their damages. They can seek legal recourse from parties responsible for their exposure to asbestos.

Compensation can take various forms, and victims have avenues such as trust fund claims, lawsuits, or settlements to pursue.

Several notable asbestos insulation companies have established trust funds to address claims from asbestos victims.

Some of these trusts include Celotex Corporation, Combustion Engineering, Garlock Sealing Technologies, Johns-Manville Corporation, and W.R. Grace, among others.

Claimants can directly file with these trusts to seek compensation, and legal representation from an asbestos lawyer can assist in gathering necessary information for mesothelioma claims. Collectively, over $30 billion is set aside in various asbestos trusts to aid victims.

However, not all asbestos companies have established trust funds. In such cases, individuals may opt to file an asbestos lawsuit.

Lawsuits can potentially result in asbestos settlements or court verdicts that provide compensation to affected individuals.

 

 

Insulation Case Set Precedent for Future Asbestos Litigation

The Borel case, stemming from asbestos exposure leading to asbestosis and mesothelioma, was filed against ten asbestos companies in 1969.

Initially, four defendants settled the case outside of court.

The remaining six companies, including Armstrong Cork Corporation, Fibreboard Paper Products Corporation, Johns-Manville Corporation, Philip Carey Corporation, Pittsburgh Corning Corporation, and Ruberoid Corporation (a Division of GAF Corporation), proceeded to trial.

Unfortunately, Borel passed away before the case concluded, prompting his wife to assume the role of plaintiff.

Following the trial, all six remaining defendants were found liable, and Borel's wife received the jury award in the case.

This legal battle stands as a significant landmark in asbestos litigation and is recognized as such by the American Museum of Tort Law.

The outcome of the case set a precedent and served as an important reference point in the history of asbestos-related legal proceedings, highlighting the liability of companies in cases of asbestos-related illnesses.

 

 

Safely Removing Asbestos Insulation

The presence of asbestos insulation in older buildings, factories, and various equipment remains a concern.

Asbestos removal poses significant risks, and professionals involved in asbestos abatement must adhere to stringent guidelines to ensure safety.

Handling, removing, and disposing of asbestos and asbestos-containing products should be exclusively managed by qualified asbestos abatement professionals.

Mishandling asbestos insulation can cause the release of airborne fibers, heightening the risk of exposure.

Consequently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly advises against the general public attempting to handle or remove asbestos due to the associated hazards.

Abatement specialists are mandated by the EPA to undergo specific training and certification.

These professionals possess comprehensive knowledge and are committed to adhering to federal and state laws governing asbestos handling and removal.

These regulations are established to safeguard individuals from the potential risks of asbestos exposure.

Additionally, other regulatory bodies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have their own set of regulations, rules, and requirements concerning asbestos handling. Their measures are implemented to ensure the proper management and safety protocols are followed in handling this hazardous mineral.

 

 

Should Homeowners Handle Asbestos?

Handling asbestos products without proper expertise can pose severe risks.

Asbestos removal is a task that should strictly be left to professionals. Asbestos insulation, commonly found in older homes and building materials, presents significant hazards.

Homeowners might inadvertently mishandle it, especially if they are unaware of its presence. Complicating matters, asbestos insulation can sometimes be mistaken for fiberglass insulation, further increasing the risk of accidental exposure.

If there's a suspicion of asbestos in a home or building, it's crucial to engage the services of a certified asbestos abatement specialist.

These professionals are equipped to conduct asbestos testing and, if found, safely remove and dispose of any materials containing asbestos.

This approach ensures that proper protocols are followed, minimizing the risks associated with asbestos exposure.

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