Transite originally referred to a line of asbestos-cement products, first manufactured by the Johns-Manville Corporation, which included boards and pipes. However, it later became a generic term for similar competitor asbestos-cement products. Later, the term transite took on an even more general meaning, referring to anything that was a hard, fireproof composite material. These products were common in wall construction, HVAC systems, plumbing, walk-in cooler wall surfaces, restaurants, grocery stores and plumbing applications as late as the 1980s.

Before the use of asbestos in these products was phased out in the 1980s, the percentage of these products made up of this material varied from 12 to 50%. Asbestos was an additive in cement to provide durability and fire proof characteristics, which cement alone could not provide.Common transite products are listed below.

Ducts

Transite pipe was used in heating and cooling ducts and buried-in slab construction, where it was installed in or below the slab. In addition, transite piping found duct use in crawl spaces as well. When used to provide air flow, especially in a structure’s floor or slab, the transite duct material may break or collapse, releasing asbestos fibers directly into the building’s air supply, posing a significant carcinogen and respiratory risk. Furthermore, the presence of water in this transite pipe may allow the material to soften and crumble, releasing asbestos fibers in this manner. During installation, this material was a threat when sawed or damaged, which also allowed asbestos fibers to become airborne.  

Pipes

Transite, or asbestos-cement pipes, were used in many forms of water distribution and construction. Some of the uses of these asbestos-cement lined pipes included water and sewage transportation, gas ventilation, air flow and gas heating. Asbestos was added to these pipes to provide increased strength and a smooth interior that allowed the unhampered flow of materials through it. Although the World Health Organization claims the several hundred thousands of miles of asbestos-cement lined pipes remain relatively safe for carrying drinking water, those who worked with these pipes during installation or removal are at a risk of developing an asbestos-related illness.

Siding

Cement-asbestos siding found popularity last century for its ability to take on a number of textures and its fireproofing ability. Furthermore, asbestos siding protected against termite damage, weather damage and rot, which materials like cedar could not always withstand. However, this material presents a home threat when cut, sawed, drilled or chipped, which allows the bound fibers to disperse into the outside air. This means transite siding poses the greatest threat during installation and removal, when the most contact and manipulation of the material takes place.  

Transite Product Risks

Transite was used in numerous products throughout homes and commercial buildings, in virtually every area. This includes exterior and interior spaces, as well as throughout walls, ceilings, basements and slabs.  As with virtually all asbestos-containing products, transite posed the greatest exposure threat when damaged by age, moisture and the manipulation of cutting, sawing or any other form of disturbance which allows fibers to break free. Although transite products can no longer contain asbestos materials, meaning builders of new homes are free of the exposure risk, anyone who lives in, works in or repairs older structure is at risk. Furthermore, those who worked for companies that manufactured these past asbestos-containing cements are also among those at the greatest risk of developing an asbestos-related illness today.  

Exposure to asbestos fibers puts individuals at risk for developing a number of serious conditions, including respiratory difficulties and cancer. Mesothelioma is the most serious condition, as this cancer presents sufferers with a short average life expectancy of eight to 14 months. Furthermore, individuals receive little warning of the risks of this disease until it progresses to its late stages, when treatment options may be limited. Furthermore, the development of these symptoms take anywhere from 20 to 50 years, meaning individuals may have been exposed decades ago and are just now feeling the effects.