Despite its past use in a number of mechanical, building, and industrial applications, numerous safe alternatives to asbestos exist. However, asbestos did posses an attribute which was integral to its popularity in past industries: low cost. Found in deposits throughout the globe, companies had relatively easy access to this mineral additive, which was not regulated until the 1970s. While companies could have found safe alternatives to the material, which was a known health threat as early as the 1920s, potential cost increases likely kept these changes from occurring. In fact, some communications between companies that used asbestos discussed strategies to downplay or refute such health risks.

However, the material’s ability to prevent immediate worker safety issues helped secure its extended use in industry as well. Although asbestos fibers easily shed, posing a significant cancer risk, materials composed of asbestos did help control the immediate threats to workers, such as fire and extreme heat. Overlooking the later consequences of its use, companies justified their asbestos usage by claiming the immediate protection to employees outweighed any later disease development risks.

Today we know any past argument supporting the use of asbestos is flawed and alternatives to the use of asbestos have been developed. Nevertheless, the Environmental Protection Agency indicates that at one point, as many as 3,000 workplace and household products contained this carcinogen. Concentrations of asbestos in these products varied from as much as one to 100 percent. Products that commonly contained asbestos include older plastics, paper products, floor tiles and textiles. Below are some of the materials we now realize provide the same benefits of asbestos, without the subsequent health risks.

Fiberglass Insulation

This material, invented in 1938, is now the most common form of insulation. In addition to being lighter than its counterpart, fiberglass insulation combines the same bulk, feel, abrasion resistance and thickness of asbestos with effective insulation and safe home use.

Cellulose Fiber

Extremely popular today, cellulose insulation is made from approximately 85 percent recycled paper which has been treated to resist mold and fire. Besides being a safe alternative to asbestos insulation, this material is also “green,” offering homeowners an environmentally-friendly alternative. In the past, vermiculite insulation was extremely popular, finding its way into tens of millions of homes and businesses. Unfortunately, this insulation was also contaminated with asbestos, posing a significant health risk to countless homeowners even today as they enter attics and other areas that hold this material, risking the inhalation of these deadly particles.

Polyurethane Foam

This product is an effective insulation and air sealant material, producing far fewer health consequences than asbestos. Furthermore, fully reacted polyurethane polymer is chemically inert. In fact, OSHA has not established any exposure limits for the material and the workplace safety organization also does not regulate the material for carcinogenicity.

Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

The most common brake pads sold today, these helped replace asbestos brake pads, which first appeared on production cars in the 1950s. However, it was organic brake pads which immediately replaced asbestos brake pads once the health dangers of this material were learned. Today auto parts manufacturers have access to ceramic brake pads as yet another alternative. Due to the friction and heat brake pads undergo, dust is freed from the brake material, posing a significant threat to mechanics working on older asbestos pads, as this dust collects on tires and around the wheel well of vehicles.

Reference:

Environmental Protection Agency