Why Was Asbestos Used in Building And Insulation Products?

The primary reason that asbestos was used in building products was as a binder or filler material. It was cheap and easily available. It is stringy and resilient, and thus made a good binder. Its resilience also reduced the breakage of the products between the factory and the worksite. In pipe covering and other materials, asbestos created air pockets which provided heat resistance.

Asbestos was marketed for its "fire resistant" qualities. In reality, at approximately 1200 degrees, asbestos transforms into an inert mineral. Other materials were available, even in the 1930's and thereafter, that could have been used (and, in fact, were used) as substitutes for asbestos without any sacrifice in product integrity or heat resistance. The asbestos industry peddled asbestos as a "magic mineral," creating a demand for the material, without advising of the dangers of asbestos. As a result, thousands of American workers were injured and killed. It was unnecessary and could have been avoided.

Learn more about what asbestos manufacturers and companies knew, click here.

If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma explore your legal options. You have a right to compensation from those companies that knowingly placed you and your family at risk. Click Here


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Asbestos & Mesothelioma Medical FAQs What is asbestos?   What types of injuries are caused by asbestos? What trades and occupations work with asbestos?   What types of products contain asbestos?   Could I have been exposed to asbestos in my home? Why was asbestos used in building and insulation products? What did companies know and when did they know it?   What is Mesothelioma? How do you get Mesothelioma?   What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?   How is Mesothelioma diagnosed?   What is the medical staging of Mesothelioma?   What are the treatment options for those diagnosed with Mesothelioma?   How do I locate and participate in clinical trials?