Common Asbestos-Containing Products and Materials
Many asbestos products fall into a consistent set of product categories regardless of the industry. Building materials like insulation and cement, friction components like gaskets or brakes, and heat resistance like fireproofing or insulating coatings typically contained some level of asbestos. Workers who handled these products may have received exposure directly or indirectly.
Common Products Containing Asbestos
| Product / Material | Primary Industries | Era of Common Use | Typical Exposure Setting |
| Asbestos cement (sheeting, pipe, siding) | Construction, utilities | 1930s-1980s | Cutting or drilling cement products |
| Boiler and furnace insulation | Shipyards, power plants, industrial | 1930s-1980s | Boiler and furnace maintenance |
| Brake pads, shoes and linings | Automotive, railroad, aerospace | 1900s-1990s | Brake repair and replacement |
| Clutch facings | Automotive | 1900s-1980s | Clutch service |
| Floor and ceiling tiles | Construction, consumer | 1920s-1980s | Cutting, sanding or demolition |
| Gaskets and packing | Automotive, maritime, industrial, refineries | 1900s-1980s | Removing or replacing seals |
| Joint compound and drywall | Construction | 1940s-1980s | Sanding drywall seams |
| Refractory and furnace materials | Industrial, refineries, mining | 1930s-1980s | Furnace relining |
| Roofing felt and shingles | Construction | 1920s-1980s | Roofing installation and tear-off |
| Textiles (cloth, rope, blankets) | Industrial, firefighting, maritime | 1910s-1980s | Handling protective or heat-resistant fabric |
| Thermal and pipe insulation | Construction, HVAC, shipyards, power plants | 1930s-1980s | Installing, cutting or removing insulation |
Asbestos in Construction and Building Materials
Construction workers faced some of the heaviest asbestos exposure of any trade. Asbestos made building materials fireproof, durable and inexpensive, so it found its way into nearly every phase of the building process. Insulators, drywall finishers, roofers, masons, laborers and demolition crews all routinely worked with asbestos-containing materials.
The risk didn’t end when asbestos usage in construction slowed. Even today, workers who renovate or demolish older buildings still encounter asbestos in materials installed decades earlier. When crews break, rip, remove or otherwise disrupt those materials, the same fibers that put the original construction crews at risk are airborne once again.
Asbestos Products in Construction
- Adhesives
- Block insulation
- Caulk and mastics
- Joint compound
- Plaster and stucco
- Spray-applied fireproofing
- Textured paints and coatings
- Thermal and pipe insulation
- Wallboard
Workers who handled these materials directly faced the heaviest exposure. However, secondhand exposure was also common on busy jobsites where multiple trades worked in the same space.
Asbestos Floor and Ceiling Tiles
Asbestos floor tiles, including the adhesives used to lay them, and asbestos ceiling tiles were among the most widely used asbestos-containing building products in homes, schools and offices. Construction crews installed vinyl and asphalt floor tiles extensively from the 1920s through the 1980s.
The tiles themselves don’t break easily and are relatively stable, but cutting, sanding or tearing them out during renovation or demolition can release asbestos fibers. Workers involved in flooring installation, removal and building teardowns faced repeated exposure through this work.
Asbestos Cement, Siding and Roofing
Companies used asbestos cement in both residential and commercial construction throughout much of the 20th century. Construction workers used it in wall sheeting, pipe, siding and roofing products because it was strong, fireproof and weatherproof.
Roofers who tore off old felt and shingles sent asbestos fibers into the air. So did construction workers who cut or drilled cement board and sheeting, or even disturbed these materials. Siding removal during renovation carries the same asbestos exposure risk for people working on older structures today.
Asbestos Insulation, Pipe Insulation and HVAC Products
Pipefitters, plumbers, boiler workers and HVAC technicians were among the trades who most often encountered asbestos-containing materials on the job. From pipe and duct systems to boiler coverings and mechanical equipment, those systems relied heavily on asbestos insulation, gaskets and packing. For decades, the workers who maintained those systems handled the materials, often with little protection and inadequate warning of the health dangers.
Asbestos Insulation and HVAC Products
- Adhesives
- Block and blanket insulation
- Boiler and furnace insulation
- Gaskets
- Insulating cement
- Pipe and duct insulation
- Protective cloth and gloves
- Valve and pump packing
Installation was only part of the exposure risk. These materials degraded over time and required regular replacement, and maintenance and repair work often released more fibers into the air than the initial installation.
Workers in these trades often shared the jobsite with other trades. This added secondary exposure with the direct contact their own work required.
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What are Some Common Pipe Fitting Products Containing Asbestos?
Asbestos in Automotive Products: Brakes, Clutches and Gaskets
Auto mechanics primarily received asbestos exposure through brake and clutch work. When workers ground down linings to fit, blew out brake dust and replaced worn parts, microscopic asbestos fibers flew into the air. Gaskets, heat shields and hood liners also added to the exposure during routine service work.
Asbestos Automotive Products
- Aftermarket friction parts
- Brake pads, shoes and linings
- Clutch facings
- Gaskets
- Heat seals and shields
- Hood liners
- Transmission components
Most mechanics didn’t receive warnings of the dangers they faced working with asbestos-containing products. Although the EPA has moved to eliminate remaining uses, some aftermarket friction products may still contain asbestos.
“The workers many years ago were not apprised of the dangers of asbestos and were never told by the companies that manufactured the product…about the dangers of asbestos on those products.”
– Dan Wasserberg
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Asbestos in Shipyards and the Navy
People who worked on naval vessels and in the shipyards that built and maintained them received some of the heaviest asbestos exposure in the 20th century. Boilers, pipes, engines and mechanical systems all required insulation, and asbestos was the material of choice for decades. Gaskets, packing, deck coverings and fireproofing added to the volume of asbestos-containing materials workers encountered on every vessel.
The spaces where shipyard and Navy workers did their jobs made the exposure worse. Below-deck compartments and engine rooms were tight, enclosed and poorly ventilated. Fibers released during installation, maintenance or repair had nowhere to go, so Navy veterans and shipyard workers developed mesothelioma at some of the highest rates of any occupational group.
Asbestos Products in Shipyards and the Navy
- Adhesives
- Deck coverings and tiles
- Fireproofing materials
- Gaskets
- Insulating cement
- Pipe and boiler insulation
- Protective textiles
- Valve and pump packing
Workers who served aboard vessels or worked in shipyards and later developed mesothelioma or lung cancer may have legal options available to them. A free consultation with our attorneys can provide an overview of available compensation routes.
Get a Free ConsultationAsbestos in Industrial, Power, Railroad and Aerospace Settings
Wherever industrial equipment ran hot or under pressure, asbestos was a standard material. Power plants, oil refineries, factories, railroads and aircraft manufacturing all relied on asbestos insulation, gaskets and friction products to manage heat and seal high-pressure systems throughout much of the 20th century.
The workers who faced the greatest exposure in these settings weren’t always those who originally installed the materials. Maintenance crews, repair workers and overhaul teams cut, stripped and replaced asbestos-containing components repeatedly over the course of their careers, often in confined spaces with little ventilation.
Power Plants, Refineries and Oilfields
Power plants and refineries ran on high-heat equipment that required insulation and sealing. For decades, asbestos did both jobs.
Asbestos Products in Power Plants and Refineries
- Fireproofing materials
- Gaskets
- Insulating cement
- Pipe insulation
- Refractory and furnace materials
- Turbine and boiler insulation
- Valve and pump packing
Boiler tenders, pipefitters and maintenance crews encountered these materials during installation and through years of repair cycles and scheduled overhauls. Many workers in this industry received asbestos-related diagnoses decades later.
Industrial and Manufacturing
Factories and manufacturing plants incorporated asbestos into machinery, ovens, kilns and protective equipment because it could withstand the heat and friction those environments generated. Machine operators, laborers and maintenance staff encountered asbestos-containing materials as a routine part of plant operations.
Asbestos Products in Industrial and Manufacturing Settings
- Adhesives
- Conveyor components
- Gaskets and seals
- Industrial ovens and kilns
- Machinery and equipment insulation
- Protective textiles and gloves
- Refractory materials
Factory workers returned to the same asbestos-containing equipment every shift for years. This led to repeat exposure and workers often didn’t know they were at risk.
Railroad Products
Railroads relied on asbestos to insulate locomotive engines and steam pipes and to line brake systems that created heat-intensive environments. The railroad workers, boilermakers and machinists who serviced them received asbestos exposure each time that equipment came in for repair or overhaul.
Asbestos Products in Railroad Settings
- Engine and pipe insulation
- Gaskets
- Insulating cement
- Locomotive brake shoes and friction products
- Packing
- Sealing compounds
Railroads were among the last industries to phase out asbestos. Locomotives and rail cars containing the material remained in service well into the late 20th century.
Aerospace and Aircraft Products
Aircraft and aerospace manufacturing leaned heavily on asbestos in high-heat, high-friction environments. Workers in assembly and maintenance handled these products most often during installation and repair.
Asbestos Products in Aerospace and Aircraft
- Adhesives and sealants
- Aircraft brake systems
- Engine and duct insulation
- Gaskets
- Heat shields
- Torque valves
Military and commercial aircraft alike relied on these materials, so exposure wasn’t limited to veterans. Many civilian workers who served as aircraft mechanics also faced asbestos exposure.
Asbestos in Consumer and Household Products
Asbestos exposure was much more than just an industrial problem. The same material that insulated boilers and lined brake pads also made its way into homes through appliances, flooring and talc personal-care products. In some cases, family members of industrial workers faced secondary exposure when those workers brought home asbestos fibers on clothing, work boots or bags.
Asbestos Consumer and Household Products
- Appliance insulation (ovens, toasters, hairdryers)
- Fireplace and stove components
- Ironing board covers
- Patching and spackling compounds
- Talc-based powders and cosmetics
- Vinyl and asphalt floor tiles
People who never worked in industrial settings developed mesothelioma after years of contact with these products in their own homes. If you or a family member developed an asbestos-related illness, our attorneys can help.
Are Asbestos Products Still in Use Today?
Some asbestos products are still legal in the United States, although far fewer than in the past. In March 2024, the EPA finalized a rule to ban ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the last type still imported and used, with phase-outs for certain industries. Even so, asbestos remains in millions of older buildings, vehicles and equipment, so most exposure today comes from disturbing these legacy products rather than from new ones.
Workers who renovate or demolish older structures, service aging vehicles or maintain industrial equipment that was built before the 1980s face the greatest ongoing risk. The materials may look unremarkable, but cutting, drilling or otherwise disturbing them can release fibers that are invisible to the naked eye.
What to Do if You Received Exposure to Asbestos Products
If you suspect you worked with asbestos products or used them in your home, there are practical steps worth taking. Speaking with a doctor about screening for asbestos-related disease is a reasonable first move, particularly given the long latency period between exposure and diagnosis.
It can take decades for an asbestos-related illness to develop after exposure. Writing down what you remember about the specific products, employers and jobsites involved can also be valuable, even if the work happened decades ago.
Legal options may exist regardless of how long ago the exposure occurred. An attorney experienced in asbestos cases can help determine which manufacturers may be responsible and what compensation may be recoverable.
How to Identify Asbestos Products
There’s no reliable way to identify asbestos in a product by looking at it. Only accredited lab testing can confirm whether a material contains asbestos. The safest approach in older buildings and structures is to treat suspected asbestos materials as if they contain asbestos and leave them undisturbed until a certified inspector assesses them.
Not all asbestos-containing products pose the same level of risk. Products that crumble easily and release fibers into the air are more immediately dangerous than more durable products, where fibers bond into the material and release mainly when workers cut, sand or break the product.
Asbestos Product Manufacturers and Bankruptcy Trusts
Many well-known companies manufactured asbestos-containing products for decades, including Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, Pittsburgh Corning and Kaiser. As litigation mounted, many of those companies filed for bankruptcy and established compensation trusts that continue to pay claims today.
Even if an asbestos product manufacturer is no longer solvent, courts can still hold them responsible for a diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer. An attorney can identify which trusts apply and whether they can also bring claims against companies that are still in business.
Identifying the specific products behind asbestos exposure is central to a claim, and it’s work our attorneys handle every day. Meirowitz & Wasserberg has represented clients in mesothelioma and asbestos cases across the country, including cases other firms declined.
If you or a family member developed mesothelioma or lung cancer after working with any of the products on this page, contact us for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your options. There’s no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Start Your ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
What products most commonly contained asbestos?
Asbestos appeared most often in a consistent set of product categories, including thermal insulation, pipe insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, brake and clutch components, gaskets and packing, building materials, cement and protective textiles. The same materials showed up in construction, shipyards, power plants, automotive shops and manufacturing facilities.
Which industries used the most asbestos products?
Construction used asbestos more broadly than any other industry, followed by shipbuilding and the Navy, power generation and oil refining, automotive repair, general manufacturing and railroads.
Do companies still use asbestos today?
The United States doesn’t have a complete asbestos ban. However, the EPA finalized a rule in March 2024 to eliminate remaining uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only type still in commercial use, with phase-out periods that vary by industry. Legacy materials in older buildings, vehicles and equipment are the primary source of exposure today.
How can I tell if a product contains asbestos?
You generally can’t identify asbestos in a product by looking at it. Only accredited laboratory testing can confirm whether a material contains asbestos. Leave suspected asbestos materials undisturbed in older buildings or equipment until a certified inspector can assess them.
What should I do if I received exposure to asbestos products at work?
Speaking with a doctor about screening for asbestos-related disease is an important first step. Document what you remember about the products, employers and job sites involved. An attorney experienced in asbestos cases can help you understand whether a legal claim is available and what compensation options may apply.
Can I file a claim if the company that made the product went bankrupt?
Yes. Many manufacturers that produced asbestos-containing products filed for bankruptcy and established compensation trusts that continue to pay claims today. An attorney can help identify which asbestos trust funds apply to your situation and how to file.
About The Author
Daniel Wasserberg
Founding Partner
Daniel Wasserberg, a founding partner of Meirowitz & Wasserberg, is a Best Lawyers-recognized and Super Lawyers-rated mesothelioma attorney with over 20 years of experience. Named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and Top 10 Asbestos-Mesothelioma Lawyer, he leads the firm's national asbestos practice.
