Industrial Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, was once considered a “miracle material” for its unique properties. Resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals, and strong yet flexible, asbestos became indispensable in industrial applications during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The industrial revolution of the 1800s spurred demand for durable, heat-resistant materials, and asbestos found its way into insulation for steam-powered equipment. By the mid-20th century, asbestos was being used in nearly every major industry, from construction and manufacturing to aerospace and maritime. Its versatility made it invaluable, but the health risks it posed to workers and their families were devastating.
When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, microscopic fibers are released into the air. These fibers are easily inhaled or ingested, and once inside the body, they can cause severe illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Tragically, the dangers of asbestos exposure were often hidden or ignored by the industries that relied on it.
Why Was Asbestos So Widely Used?
Asbestos was widely used across numerous industries for much of the 19th and 20th centuries due to its extraordinary physical and chemical properties, which made it a versatile and cost-effective material for a wide range of applications. Its unique combination of heat resistance, chemical resistance, strength, and binding capabilities made it indispensable in construction, manufacturing, and industrial processes.
Heat Resistance:
One of asbestos’s most notable properties is its ability to withstand extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 500°C (932°F). This made it an ideal material for thermal insulation in industrial settings, such as insulating boilers, furnaces, and pipes. Its fireproof nature also led to its use in fire-resistant clothing, protective gear for firefighters, and fireproof barriers in buildings. Asbestos was also a key component in brake linings and clutch plates, where its heat resistance helped prevent overheating and wear during use.
Learn more about the heat resistance of asbestos.
Fireproof Nature and Protective Applications
Asbestos’s non-flammable nature made it a cornerstone material for fireproofing. It could withstand temperatures exceeding 500°C (932°F) and, in some cases, up to 1,200°F (649°C) without igniting or losing its structural integrity. This property led to its use in a number of safety products, such as fire-resistant clothing and fireproof barriers.
Learn more about the fireproof nature of asbestos.
Chemical Resistance:
Asbestos’s resistance to acids, alkalis, and other harsh chemicals made it invaluable in environments where materials were exposed to corrosive substances. It was commonly used in chemical plants, laboratories, and industrial filters. Additionally, asbestos was incorporated into cements, sealants, and coatings to enhance their durability and resistance to chemical degradation, ensuring a longer service life in demanding conditions.
Learn more about the chemical resistance of asbestos.
Strength and Durability of Asbestos Fibers
Asbestos fibers possess exceptional tensile strength, comparable to that of steel. This strength, combined with its lightweight nature, made asbestos a popular choice for reinforcing building materials. It was widely used in roofing shingles, floor tiles, cement sheets, and other construction products. These materials were not only strong and durable but also resistant to weathering, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Learn more about the strength and durability of asbestos.
Binding Capability of Asbestos Fibers
Asbestos fibers possess a unique natural ability to bind effectively with a wide range of materials, including cement, plastics, and resins. This binding capability is attributed to the fibrous structure of asbestos, which allows it to interlock with other materials, creating composites with enhanced mechanical and physical properties. This characteristic was a cornerstone of asbestos’s widespread use in construction and industrial applications, as it enabled the production of strong, durable, and versatile materials.
Learn more about how asbestos could bind with other materials to create asbestos-composite products.
Industries Most Affected by Asbestos
For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, asbestos was a cornerstone of industrial progress, valued for its heat resistance, strength, and affordability. Below are the industries that relied most heavily on asbestos, placing countless workers at risk of exposure. Click on each industry to learn more about how asbestos was used and its impact on workers.
Aerospace and Aviation
The aerospace and aviation industry used asbestos extensively in the manufacturing of aircraft and related components. Asbestos provided heat resistance and fireproofing for critical parts like brake pads, clutches, and engine insulation. Its use became particularly prominent during World War II, when it was integrated into aircraft cockpits, cabins, and fireproof clothing for pilots.
Learn more about asbestos in the aerospace industry.
Asbestos Abatement
Ironically, workers in the asbestos abatement industry, tasked with removing asbestos-containing materials, were at significant risk of exposure. Despite modern safety protocols, early abatement workers often lacked the protective equipment necessary to avoid inhaling asbestos fibers during removal and disposal.
Learn more about asbestos abatement workers.
Asbestos Mining
Asbestos mining was integral to supplying raw materials for insulation, flooring, roofing, and other industrial applications. Miners frequently inhaled airborne asbestos fibers during extraction, making this one of the most dangerous industries for asbestos exposure.
Learn more about asbestos mining.
Asbestos Products Manufacturing
The asbestos products manufacturing industry developed insulation, fireproofing materials, and industrial components like roofing tiles and cement. Workers often faced heavy exposure while mixing asbestos fibers and fabricating products.
Learn more about asbestos products manufacturing.
Automotive Repair and Mechanical Friction
The automotive industry relied on asbestos for brake pads, clutches, and gaskets, all of which needed to withstand high friction and heat. Mechanics were exposed to asbestos dust while servicing these components, particularly during grinding, sanding, or replacement.
Learn more about asbestos in the automotive industry.
Chemical Industry
The chemical industry used asbestos for its resistance to heat and corrosive substances. It was integrated into equipment like pipes, tanks, and protective linings in chemical plants to prevent fires and withstand harsh reactions.
Learn more about asbestos in the chemical industry.
Construction
Asbestos was a staple in the construction industry, used in insulation, cement, roofing, tiles, and sealants. Builders and demolition crews often disturbed asbestos materials, releasing fibers into the air.
Learn more about asbestos in construction.
Insulation
The insulation industry heavily relied on asbestos for heat and fire resistance. Workers installing, repairing, or removing asbestos-containing insulation in homes, industrial facilities, and ships were at high risk of exposure.
Learn more about asbestos in the insulation industry.
Iron and Steel
The iron and steel industries used asbestos to insulate furnaces, pipes, and equipment operating at high temperatures. Workers in mills and foundries were exposed while installing or repairing these materials.
Learn more about asbestos in iron and steel industries.
Longshore and Maritime
Longshoremen and maritime workers faced exposure while loading and unloading ships, as asbestos was commonly used in ship insulation, valves, and engine components. Workers often disturbed asbestos materials during ship repairs.
Learn more about asbestos in the maritime industry.
Military
All branches of the U.S. military relied on asbestos for insulation and fireproofing in ships, tanks, aircraft, and barracks. Service members were often exposed during construction, maintenance, and combat operations.
Learn more about asbestos in the military.
Non-Asbestos Products Manufacturing
Even in industries manufacturing non-asbestos products, asbestos was used as an insulating material for pipes, boilers, and machinery, exposing workers during maintenance or production.
Learn more about asbestos exposure in manufacturing.
Petrochemical and Refinery
Petrochemical facilities used asbestos in gaskets, sealants, and insulation to withstand high temperatures and corrosive chemicals. Workers in oil refineries and chemical plants faced frequent exposure while maintaining equipment.
Learn more about asbestos in petrochemical industries.
Railroad
Railroad workers encountered asbestos in brake systems, boiler insulation, and engine components. Asbestos was used for its heat resistance, but repairing or maintaining these systems exposed workers to dangerous fibers.
Learn more about asbestos in the railroad industry.
Shipyard Construction and Repair
Shipyards used asbestos for fireproofing and insulating ships, especially in engine rooms and piping. Shipbuilders, welders, and repair workers were heavily exposed during construction and maintenance.
Learn more about asbestos in shipyards.
Textile
The textile industry wove asbestos into fire-resistant fabrics for protective clothing, upholstery, and industrial uses. Factory workers inhaled asbestos dust during weaving, spinning, and cutting processes.
Learn more about asbestos in textiles.
Tire and Rubber
The tire and rubber industry used asbestos for fire protection and as a filler in rubber products. Workers were exposed during the manufacturing process and while handling asbestos-containing materials.
Learn more about asbestos in tire and rubber manufacturing.
Utilities
Utility companies used asbestos in electrical wiring, pipelines, and high-temperature equipment. Workers maintaining or repairing infrastructure often disturbed asbestos-containing components.
Learn more about asbestos in utilities.
Asbestos Exposure and Its Devastating Health Effects
Exposure to asbestos fibers, whether through direct occupational contact or take-home exposure, poses severe risks to health. Asbestos-related illnesses develop slowly, often taking decades to appear, but their impact can be life-altering or even fatal. Below are the major diseases linked to asbestos exposure:
Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), or heart (pericardium). It is caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure.
Learn more about mesothelioma and its link to asbestos exposure.
Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure is a well-established cause of lung cancer. Prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers significantly increases the risk, especially for smokers.
Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by the scarring of lung tissue from inhaled asbestos.
Throat Cancer (Laryngeal and Pharyngeal Cancer): Asbestos fibers can damage the throat and vocal cords, leading to cancers of the larynx (voice box) or pharynx.
Stomach Cancer: Asbestos fibers, when ingested, can cause cancer in the stomach lining. This risk is heightened in individuals who consumed food or water contaminated by asbestos.
Colon Cancer (Colorectal Cancer): Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, has been linked to asbestos exposure through the ingestion of asbestos fibers.
Family members of workers exposed to asbestos are also at risk of developing these diseases due to take-home exposure. Asbestos fibers carried home on clothing, tools, or hair can contaminate household environments, leading to prolonged secondary exposure. This is particularly dangerous because family members were often unaware of the risks, leaving them unprotected. Our firm offers free asbestos health tests to the family members of people who were occupationally exposed to asbestos.
Compensation Options for Workers and Families
If you or a loved one has developed an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation through several legal avenues. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to helping families affected by asbestos exposure secure the financial support they need. There are three major avenues of recovery we can explore for your family:
Asbestos Trust Claims: Trust funds established by companies that manufactured or used asbestos-containing products provide compensation to individuals with valid claims. These claims are straightforward and do not require you to go to court. Family members who developed illnesses through take-home exposure may also file claims.
Asbestos Lawsuits: Manufacturers, suppliers, or employers can be held accountable for injuries caused by asbestos exposure. Legal claims can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Family members affected by take-home exposure may pursue lawsuits if their exposure can be traced to a specific employer or product.
Asbestos Disability Claims: Workers diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Veterans exposed to asbestos during military service can file for VA disability benefits. Spouses and dependents of veterans may also be eligible for additional benefits if they were affected by take-home exposure.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you don’t have to face this fight alone. Our law firm has helped thousands of families hold asbestos companies accountable, recover the compensation they deserve, and secure a brighter future.
We understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. There are no upfront costs to work with us—our clients never pay out of pocket. Take the first step by contacting us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call 1-833-4-Asbestos to get started today. Justice for your family is just a phone call away.