Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is known for its extraordinary properties like heat-resistant, electricity-resistant, anti-corrosive, and fire-proof. This makes asbestos a great choice for the construction industry. Therefore, asbestos was used in the roofing and flooring of buildings, ships, and steam engines. However, the use of asbestos was not limited to the construction industry. Soon it began to be used in the manufacturing of electronic appliances because of its insulation properties.
With these great properties came the dark side-effects of being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral, which means that the asbestos fibers hang loose in the air around us, that is if asbestos is present in the infrastructure. Once inhaled, these fibers enter the lungs and can cause inflammation, lung cancer, mesothelioma, or a disease called asbestosis. All these diseases are a result of prolonged exposure to asbestos and are incurable. Due to these dangers, asbestos is now heavily regulated and even banned in many countries.
Despite its health issues, asbestos is still present in some older buildings and appliances, and it's essential to be aware of its potential presence and take important precautions to avoid the deadly exposure.
The use of asbestos dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations utilizing its properties. However, the widespread industrial use of asbestos began in the late 19th century and continued throughout much of the 20th century.
Let’s Have a look at some everyday home appliances that may contain asbestos:
Popcorn Ceilings: A popcorn ceiling was a popular type of ceiling between the 1950s and 1980s. It is a textured ceiling that resembles popcorn and was used for hiding flaws on the roof and to reduce sound transmission (sound proof). While popcorn ceilings were an extremely popular ceiling in the past, it has fallen out of favor due to concerns over them containing asbestos and therefore potential health hazards.
Hot Water Pipes & Boilers: Asbestos material was used as a wrap or blanket on hot water pipes and boilers due to their amazing heat resistance and insulation properties. This insulation helped in preventing heat loss and maintaining temperature inside the pipes and boilers.
Hair Dryers: Hair dryers were once commonly made using asbestos because of its properties like heat-resistance and insulation. These asbestos containing hair dryers when in use release asbestos fibers in the air and one trip to the salon, or a daily chore like hair drying can easily become deadly for anyone.
Toasters: Some toasters manufactured in the late 19th century were manufactured with asbestos-containing materials in their heating elements. Asbestos was added to the heating elements of some toasters to make them more heat-resistant, durable, and long-lasting.
Heaters: Asbestos was commonly used in the construction and manufacturing of heaters in the late 19th century. The material was used for its remarkable heat-resistant properties, durability, and insulating ability. Asbestos could be found in various parts of the heater, including the heating elements, insulation, and gaskets.
It's important to note that these appliances may only contain asbestos if they were manufactured during the late 19th century. If you have an antique toaster or a vintage looking popcorn ceiling in your home or workplace there is a possibility that they may contain asbestos. In such cases it's best to have an expert assess them ASAP! There are extreme risks involved in the handling of such toxic materials, and the task should only be handled by trained asbestos contractors like Ridaway. The specialists at RidAway operate in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations to ensure your asbestos abatement project is handled safely. Ridaway is state certified and licensed which makes them reliable. Protect the health and safety of your family by scheduling asbestos abatement today
