Asbestos Product Manufacturing

The asbestos product manufacturing industry was once a cornerstone of industrial development, producing a wide range of materials and goods that utilized asbestos for its unique properties. This industry flourished during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in countries undergoing rapid industrialization and infrastructure expansion. Asbestos was incorporated into countless products, including insulation, cement, textiles, gaskets, brake linings, and roofing materials. The industry was especially prominent in nations like the United States, Canada, and Russia, where asbestos mining and manufacturing were closely linked. At its peak, asbestos product manufacturing supported numerous sectors, including with asbestos exposure. Regulatory restrictions and outright bans in many countries have since curtailed the production of asbestos-containing materials. However, the legacy of this industry remains evident in the vast number of buildings and products that still contain asbestos, necessitating ongoing management and abatement efforts.

Why Asbestos Was Used in Product Manufacturing

Asbestos was a highly sought-after material in product manufacturing due to its exceptional physical and chemical properties. Its heat resistance, tensile strength, and ability to withstand chemical corrosion made it an ideal component for products requiring durability and fireproofing. For example, asbestos was widely used in insulation materials for boilers, pipes, and electrical systems, as well as in fireproof textiles and cement products. Its fibrous nature allowed it to be easily woven into fabrics or mixed with other materials to create composites with enhanced performance characteristics.

The affordability and abundance of asbestos further contributed to its widespread use in manufacturing. It was particularly valued in industries where safety and performance were paramount, such as automotive brake linings and shipbuilding insulation. However, the very properties that made asbestos so versatile also posed significant health hazards, as its fibers could become airborne and inhaled during manufacturing or product use. This duality of utility and risk underscores the historical significance of asbestos in product manufacturing and the subsequent need for stringent safety measures and regulations.

Types of Asbestos Used in the Product Manufacturing Industry

The asbestos product manufacturing industry utilized various types of asbestos fibers, each selected for its unique properties to meet specific industrial and commercial needs. The most commonly used types of asbestos in this industry were:

Chrysotile (White Asbestos): Chrysotile was the most widely used type of asbestos in product manufacturing due to its flexibility, durability, and ability to be woven into textiles. It was commonly incorporated into products such as asbestos-cement sheets, roofing materials, brake linings, and gaskets. Its heat resistance and insulating properties made it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications.

Amosite (Brown Asbestos): Amosite was valued for its superior tensile strength and heat resistance, making it ideal for high-temperature applications. It was frequently used in the production of thermal insulation, fireproofing materials, and cement products. Amosite’s straight, needle-like fibers provided added strength to manufactured goods, particularly in construction and industrial settings.

Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos): Crocidolite was used in products requiring exceptional chemical and heat resistance. Its thin, brittle fibers were incorporated into items such as acid-resistant cement pipes, spray-on coatings, and insulation for electrical wiring. Although less commonly used than chrysotile and amosite, crocidolite was favored in specific applications where its unique properties were essential.

These types of asbestos were integral to the manufacturing of a wide variety of products due to their strength, heat resistance, and versatility. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure eventually led to the decline of its use in manufacturing and the development of safer alternatives.

Learn more about the six minerals that we call asbestos.

Common Types of Asbestos Products in the Industry

The asbestos product manufacturing industry was responsible for creating a wide range of asbestos-containing materials that were widely used across various sectors due to their durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. Common types of asbestos products manufactured in this industry include:

Asbestos Cement Products: These included items such as pipes, roofing sheets, wallboards, and blocks. The incorporation of asbestos fibers into cement enhanced the material’s tensile strength, fire resistance, and overall durability. These properties made asbestos cement products particularly suitable for construction and water transport applications, where long-lasting and resilient materials were essential. The smooth surface of asbestos cement pipes also ensured efficient laminar flow for liquid transportation, further solidifying their utility in industrial and municipal infrastructure.

Asbestos Insulation Materials: These materials were extensively used for thermal insulation in boilers, steam pipes, and industrial equipment. The ability of asbestos to resist high temperatures and prevent heat loss made it an ideal choice for insulating systems in power plants, factories, and other industrial settings. This application not only improved energy efficiency but also protected equipment from thermal damage, ensuring operational reliability

Asbestos Textiles: These textiles were widely employed in the production of fireproof garments, such as protective clothing for industrial workers and firefighters. Additionally, asbestos textiles were used in applications like thermal insulation and friction products, including brake linings and clutch pads. The combination of asbestos with other materials, such as glass fibers, further expanded its utility in creating lightweight yet durable fabrics for specialized purposes.

Asbestos Gaskets and Seals: Designed for high-temperature and high-pressure applications in machinery and engines. These products were essential components in machinery and engines, where they provided reliable sealing solutions. The inclusion of asbestos fibers in these products ensured their ability to withstand extreme conditions, making them indispensable in industries such as manufacturing, shipbuilding, and automotive engineering

Asbestos Brake Pads and Clutches: Manufactured for the automotive and transportation industries due to their heat resistance and durability. These products leveraged the heat resistance and durability of asbestos to deliver reliable performance under the intense friction and high temperatures generated during braking and clutch operations. Asbestos-based friction materials were widely used in vehicles, trains, and industrial machinery, ensuring safety and efficiency in transportation and heavy-duty applications

Learn more about the kinds of products made with asbestos.

Companies That Manufactured Asbestos Products

Several companies were prominent in the asbestos product manufacturing industry, producing a variety of asbestos-containing materials. These include:

Johns-Manville Corporation: Johns-Manville Corporation was one of the most prominent manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, with a history dating back to 1858. The company became a leader in the production of asbestos insulation, cement products, and gaskets, which were widely used in chemical plants and industrial facilities. Johns-Manville’s asbestos insulation materials were particularly valued for their ability to withstand high temperatures and provide thermal protection for boilers, steam pipes, and industrial equipment. Additionally, the company produced asbestos cement products such as pipes, roofing sheets, and wallboards, which were used in chemical processing environments due to their durability and resistance to corrosive substances. Despite its success, Johns-Manville faced significant legal and financial challenges in the 1980s as the health risks of asbestos exposure became widely recognized, leading to its bankruptcy and reorganization.

Keasbey & Mattison Co.: The Keasbey & Mattison Company was another major player in the asbestos industry, producing a variety of asbestos-based products for industrial and chemical applications. The company specialized in manufacturing asbestos insulation materials, which were used to protect machinery and equipment in chemical plants from extreme heat and chemical reactions. Additionally, Keasbey & Mattison produced asbestos cement products, including pipes and roofing materials, which were valued for their strength and resistance to chemical corrosion. The company’s operations were centered in Ambler, Pennsylvania, a town that became synonymous with asbestos production. However, like many other asbestos manufacturers, Keasbey & Mattison faced significant legal and reputational issues as the dangers of asbestos exposure became evident, leading to the decline of its operations.

Turner & Newall, Ltd.: Turner & Newall, Ltd., a British company, was a global leader in the production of asbestos-containing materials. The company manufactured asbestos cement products, insulation materials, and gaskets, which were extensively used in chemical processing environments. Turner & Newall’s asbestos cement products, such as corrugated roofing sheets and flat panels, were particularly popular in the chemical industry due to their durability and resistance to chemical corrosion. The company also produced asbestos insulation materials for thermal and electrical applications, making them indispensable in industrial settings. Despite its prominence, Turner & Newall eventually faced widespread litigation and financial difficulties as the health risks associated with asbestos became undeniable.

Eagle-Picher Industries: Eagle-Picher Industries was a significant manufacturer of asbestos insulation and gaskets, which were essential components in chemical processing equipment. The company’s asbestos insulation materials were used to protect boilers, steam pipes, and other industrial equipment from heat and chemical exposure. Eagle-Picher also produced asbestos gaskets and seals, which were designed for high-temperature and high-pressure applications in machinery and engines. These products were widely used in chemical plants to ensure the safe and efficient operation of industrial equipment. However, as the health hazards of asbestos became more widely understood, Eagle-Picher faced numerous lawsuits and financial liabilities, leading to a shift in its operations.

The asbestos product manufacturing industry played a significant role in the widespread use of asbestos materials. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure have led to the decline of this industry and the adoption of safer alternatives in modern manufacturing.

Asbestos Product Manufacturing Workers are at Risk of Asbestos-Related Diseases

Asbestos product manufacturing workers, particularly those involved in the production of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as insulation, cement, textiles, and brake linings, face a significant risk of asbestos exposure. Historically, asbestos was a cornerstone of the manufacturing industry due to its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. However, the production processes often released asbestos fibers into the air, putting workers at risk. Medical research has conclusively demonstrated that asbestos exposure can lead to the following health complications:

Mesothelioma: Workers in asbestos product manufacturing are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. This risk arises from inhaling airborne asbestos fibers during the handling, cutting, or processing of raw asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.

Lung Cancer: The manufacturing process often involved grinding, mixing, or cutting asbestos materials, which released significant amounts of asbestos fibers into the air. Prolonged exposure to these fibers greatly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially for workers who lacked adequate respiratory protection in the past.

Throat Cancer: Inhalation of asbestos fibers during manufacturing tasks, such as weaving asbestos textiles or shaping asbestos cement, can lead to cancers of the larynx and pharynx. Poor ventilation and insufficient protective measures in earlier decades exacerbated this risk for workers.

Stomach Cancer: Workers could inadvertently ingest asbestos fibers, particularly if they ate or drank in contaminated areas or failed to follow proper hygiene practices. This exposure has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer over time.

Colon Cancer: Known as colorectal cancer, this condition may result from ingesting asbestos fibers. Workers in asbestos product manufacturing were frequently exposed to airborne fibers, which could settle on surfaces and contaminate food or drinks, contributing to the development of this type of cancer.

Asbestosis: Asbestosis, a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, is a significant risk for asbestos product manufacturing workers. The disease results in scarring of lung tissue, leading to severe breathing difficulties and reduced lung function. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of asbestos fibers during manufacturing processes is the primary cause of this condition.

Asbestos product manufacturing workers played a pivotal role in producing materials that were once considered essential across various industries. However, the nature of their work placed them at significant risk of asbestos exposure. Strict safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper ventilation, and regular health monitoring, are essential to protect workers from the long-term health effects of asbestos exposure.

Learn more about the diseases asbestos can cause.

Asbestos Exposure in Asbestos Product Manufacturing

In the asbestos product manufacturing industry, workers were frequently exposed to asbestos fibers during various stages of production. Tasks often began with the handling of raw asbestos fibers, which were received in large bags and manually opened, releasing airborne fibers into the workspace. Workers would then process these fibers by mixing them with other materials to create products such as asbestos cement, insulation, textiles, and gaskets. This mixing process, often conducted in poorly ventilated environments, generated significant amounts of asbestos dust. Additionally, workers operating machinery to shape, cut, or mold asbestos-containing products were exposed to high levels of airborne fibers, particularly during sanding, grinding, or drilling operations.

Other tasks that posed exposure risks included packaging finished asbestos products, maintaining or repairing machinery contaminated with asbestos dust, and cleaning work areas where fibers had settled. Even workers not directly involved in these tasks could be exposed to asbestos through secondary contamination, as fibers often became airborne and spread throughout the facility.

The risk of take-home exposure was also significant in asbestos product manufacturing. Workers frequently carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, shoes, and personal items, unknowingly exposing their family members to the hazardous material. This secondary exposure, often through laundering contaminated clothing or close contact with workers, has been linked to cases of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis among family members. This highlights the far-reaching impact of asbestos exposure beyond the workplace.

Our Law Firm Assists Asbestos Product Manufacturing Workers with Asbestos-Related Conditions

Workers in the asbestos product manufacturing industry faced frequent exposure to asbestos while handling raw materials and producing asbestos-containing products. Many of these workers later developed serious asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation. Our law firm is dedicated to helping asbestos manufacturing workers and their families navigate the legal process, providing comprehensive support in the following areas:

Asbestos Trust Claims
Many asbestos product manufacturers have established trust funds to compensate workers diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. Filing a claim with these trusts does not require going to court and can provide much-needed financial relief for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. Our legal team can help determine your eligibility and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Asbestos Lawsuits
Manufacturers that produced and distributed asbestos-containing materials can be held accountable through legal action. If you were exposed while working in an asbestos product manufacturing plant, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our firm has extensive experience holding negligent companies responsible and fighting for the rights of asbestos-exposed workers.

Asbestos Disability Claims
Workers diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses may qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. Additionally, those who served in the military and were exposed to asbestos while working in defense-related manufacturing may be eligible for veterans’ disability benefits. These programs can provide essential financial support for individuals unable to work due to their condition.