Asbestos Usage in the United States

Based in Baltimore, Maryland &
Serving Maryland & all of Washington D.C.

Asbestos is no longer used in manufacturing products intended for direct consumer use, and its use, for example, in construction and automotive industries is strictly regulated. But, it’s still around, and the danger of asbestos exposure is everywhere. For example, the average person uses duct tape, intended primarily for construction use, for dozens of purposes. Who knew it contained asbestos?

Prevalence of Dangerous Asbestos

In the past, you could find asbestos in the most ordinary items such as talcum and baby powders, cosmetics, and even crayons. Many household appliances, electric blankets and kitchen supplies also contained asbestos. If you are using any products manufactured before 1989, particularly ones that generate or protect from heat, you may be exposing yourself to asbestos without even realizing it.

Another source of asbestos comes from the growing number of items imported from countries that do not have, or enforce, controls over asbestos use in their products. For example, a CSI Fingerprint Exam Kit made in China includes powders that contain significant amounts of tremolite asbestos.

It’s worth noting that asbestos that is contained and stable, meaning the product or building containing it isn’t damaged or deteriorating, is not likely to become airborne as long as it isn’t disturbed. Since inhaling asbestos is the primary route of exposure leading to mesothelioma and asbestosis, it’s best to leave walls, ceilings, and flooring in place if these show no signs of damage.

Non-occupational Exposure to Asbestos

Older schools and other buildings constructed around the 1950s used an asbestos-based spray on their ceilings for both its fire-retardant and insulation properties. These aging ceilings are beginning to crumble, producing airborne dust containing asbestos particles. This is a perfect example of non-occupational exposure to asbestos.

Today, asbestos is used primarily in construction materials and is regulated closely for safety both for the worker and consumer. Brake and clutch pads are good examples of friction reduction uses for asbestos.

Despite the restrictions on using asbestos, it remains a risk for anyone using imported products and for those people exposed to asbestos at construction sites.

Your exposure to asbestos may have compromised your health. For a free initial consultation please contact Parker, Dumler, and Kiely, LLC, the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

To learn more about asbestos, please visit our frequently asked questions about asbestos page.

Learn about protecting yourself from asbestos

Return to the top

Learn how the lawyers at PDK can help you obtain a settlement for your asbestos lawsuit.