Where is Asbestos Found Today ?

Humans have been mining and using asbestos for thousands of years, but it became a central part of commercial  products in the 1800s during the Industrial Revolution. Its use peaked during World War II and continued to be a popular building material until the 1970s, when health risks were made public. Since then, asbestos use is heavily regulated, but it can still be found in products that are manufactured and sold in the United States.

Asbestos can be found in the following:

• Cement products
• Vinyl floor tiles
• Brake pad and linings
• Roofing products
• Clothing

In today’s society, there are many different alternatives for asbestos such as: polyurethane foams, cellular glass, cellulose fiber, flour fillers, thermoset plastic flour, and amorphous silica fabrics. These products are as effective as asbestos and do not pose serious health threats, so why does asbestos use continue?

Asbestos is abundant and cost effective and as long as companies comply with EPA and OHSA regulations and requirements for permissible exposure limits, asbestos use is allowed. Even though it has been illegal to mine asbestos in the United States since 2002, domestic companies continue to import the toxic substance. In 2015, it was estimated that 343 tons of unmanufactured asbestos fiber was consumed in the United States.

As consumers, we have to remain vigilant when it comes to asbestos. People exposed to asbestos can develop lung cancer, Mesothelioma, asbestosis and other diseases, yet companies continue to use asbestos in products that are sold in this country. Don’t be silent on the issue any longer.[right-post]