Many people may believe asbestos has been banned in the United States, but it is still legal to use and sell under certain circumstances.

People working with and around these substances may not be aware asbestos is still being used in many industrial products and have a higher risk of exposure to asbestos than others. They also may be more susceptible to diseases linked to asbestos, like mesothelioma.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in construction and building materials and other products for many years. Its long fibers are durable and heat resistant, making it attractive for many materials. However, the substance may be toxic to people.

Though asbestos is fairly safe when it is not disturbed, when the fibers become airborne and are breathed in, then asbestos can be dangerous.

Breathing in asbestos fibers can lead to serious health problems. Mesothelioma, caused by asbestos, is a type of cancer that forms in the layer of tissue that covers the majority of internal organs, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

In the case of asbestos exposure, asbestos fibers can lodge in the lungs, leading to asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, which can be cancerous or benign, according to Medline Plus. Asbestos exposure also may be connected with the development of other cancers, such lung cancer, and asbestosis. 

It can be difficult to tell the difference between malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer, so many victims don’t realize they may have suffered workplace exposure. Moreover, asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma can take decades to form, according to Medline Plus, which means they are usually detected when they are at a late stage and harder to treat.

Is Asbestos Still Being Used?

Despite the dangers associated with asbestos exposure, many people are surprised to learn asbestos use in some products is not against the law.

In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed a ban on asbestos use. But that ban was later overturned by a federal court.

Since the 1989 ban was lifted, asbestos has been allowed in products that historically incorporated asbestos; however, it is banned in new products.

According to current EPA regulations, all materials that contain asbestos can only have 1 percent or less of the mineral. 

Products That May Contain Asbestos

Vehicle parts: Asbestos is durable and heat resistant, and as such, it is often used in products that must withstand high friction, heat, or fire. The mineral can sometimes be found in brake pads, clutches, and certain types of gaskets.

Mechanics are susceptible to asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma. People working around vehicle parts should be aware asbestos is being used today and they may be exposed.

Insulation and construction materials: Again, because the mineral is heat resistant and durable, it is often used in insulation and construction materials. People working with these materials are often more likely to suffer asbestos-related diseases than the general population. This is especially true for people who work with older buildings, possibly in demolition, renovation, or cleaning.

The material may be found in insulation; ceiling or floor tiles; textiles; shingles; siding; wall paneling; wire insulation; electrical panels; ceiling texture, including popcorn ceilings; ductwork; decorative plaster; fireproofing materials; linoleum flooring; chimney flue lining; pipes; caulking; putty; and spackling.

Fireproof clothing: Asbestos will not show up in most clothing available to the public. However, it may be important to be aware asbestos is still being used in occupation-specific clothing.

Due to its heat-resistant properties, the material may be used in clothes worn by firefighters, or specialty gloves worn by glassblowers.

Potting soil: As asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, it can sometimes appear in other natural products, like potting soil. Many potting soils include vermiculite, a silicate material used to increase water and nutrient retention of potting soil, and to aerate the soil.

Asbestos is also a silicate material and can occur naturally near vermiculite, so it may sometimes show up there.

Talc-based products: Asbestos has also been found in many talc-based household products. However, these products are not intentionally made with asbestos.

The FDA is increasing testing standards, as the dangerous material is often present as a contaminant, according to USA Today.

As talc and asbestos are often mined near each other, asbestos fibers may mix with talc powder. Talc products at risk of containing asbestos fibers may include baby powder and cosmetics such as blush, lipstick, powders, or eye shadow.

In 2020, after several lawsuits were filed against the pharmaceutical company by consumers who claimed they had suffered from asbestos-related conditions after years of exposure to the company’s baby powder, Johnson & Johnson voluntarily removed its talc-based baby powder from the market.

While asbestos may not be used in the creation of many new products, the substance may be present in products manufactured prior to the 1980s. Old slow cookers, hairdryers, coffee pots, toasters, irons, portable heaters, and ironing board covers may contain asbestos.

Additionally, asbestos construction products may still be found in many old buildings. School, office, and apartment buildings may contain insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, or other building materials made from asbestos.

People who live, work, or go to school in these buildings may be exposed to the material unknowingly.

Is Asbestos Used Internationally?

Although asbestos has been banned in over 55 countries, several other countries still use products containing asbestos.

While the mineral is rarely seen in Western countries, it’s possible asbestos is still being used in countries such as Russia or others in Asia, according to Chemistry World. If products made in these countries are later imported to the United States or other Western countries, Americans could be exposed to the carcinogen.

International asbestos bans have been proposed on larger scale than countrywide bans. For example, the Rotterdam Convention United Nations treaty, which includes 161 parties and is in charge of import regulations for hazardous chemicals, met in 2017 to discuss whether chrysotile forms of asbestos should join five other forms of asbestos on the hazardous substances list.

However, Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Syria, and Zimbabwe all rejected the change.

What Can I Do If I Was Exposed To Asbestos?

If you were exposed to asbestos at home, work, or somewhere else, there is not much you can do except avoid future exposure. Health officials agree increased exposure to the chemical increases the risk of asbestos complications such as mesothelioma. However, there is no guarantee you will — or won’t — experience asbestos-related health consequences in the future.

The health consequences of asbestos exposure can take years or even decades to show up. If you’re concerned about your health after asbestos exposure, talk to your doctor.