Products with Asbestos
If an asbestos-containing material can be crumpled under hand pressure (“friable asbestos”), it is more likely to release fibers into the air.
Fluffy, spray-applied asbestos fire proofing material, for example, is generally considered “friable.” Materials which are “non-friable” such as vinyl asbestos floor tile, can release fibers when sanded, sawed or otherwise disturbed.
Asbestos-containing materials, such as cement pipes, can release asbestos fibers into the air if broken, cut or crushed when a building is constructed, renovated, repaired or demolished. This can put workers and other individuals at risk for a number of asbestos diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer.
As many as 3,000 different types of commercial products may have contained asbestos, including:
| Pipe insulation Cement Acoustical plaster Decorative plaster Electrical cloth Lay-in panels Roofing shingles Roofing felt Base flashing Thermal paper products Packing materials (rope) Fire doors Wall board blankets |
Boiler insulation Gaskets Spray-applied insulation Blown insulation HVAC duct insulation Breaching insulation Flexible fabric connections Boiler insulation pipes Heating and electrical ducts Electrical wiring insulation Fireproofing materials Fire curtains Block insulation |
Pipes (transite) Joint compounds Asphalt floor tile Vinyl floor tile Duct tile Vinyl sheet flooring Vinyl wall coverings Cooling towers Flooring backing Floor tile Construction adhesives Carpet texture products |