Asbestos in Consumer Products
Many of the appliances upon which we have come to depend on a daily basis were at one point manufactured with asbestos in various components. The American Cancer Society has estimated that as many as 5,000 consumer products may have contained or do contain asbestos. So what exactly may have asbestos in it? Coffee pots, toasters, popcorn poppers, crock pots, irons, and a wide variety of other things commonly found around the house.
Hair dryers, until 1980, almost always contained asbestos if they were hand held. Hair dryers are an extremely dangerous source of asbestos because they blow heated air right across many component parts that contain asbestos. This blows asbestos fibers directly into the air that can easily be inhaled by the individual using this dangerous product.
Other potential sources of asbestos exposure in the consumer realm include ironing board covers, electric blankets, fireproof gloves, and burner pads. These items and many other similar items that require heat resistant components all utilized asbestos’ fireproof and heat resistant qualities.
The products one uses on one’s skin may also contain asbestos. Baby powder, cosmetics, and anything else that contains talc, like talcum powder, all may have had asbestos in them at one point.
The garden is also not safe from asbestos exposure. Vermiculite has been used in fertilizers, pesticides, potting soil mixes, and compost compounds because of its excellent aeration and drainage. However, because vermiculite and asbestos are commonly found in the same area, it is easily plausible that asbestos has contaminated the garden or a potting shed through the use of vermiculite in commercial gardening products.
The risks to current home owners are obvious. The second hand or antique market can be just as full of asbestos as store-bought items are. Collectors who purchase antique appliances should be very careful handling their new purchases. In addition, anyone with older products should be aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure through frayed wiring.
Contact Us
Exposure to asbestos is a serious matter and one that can result in serious illness or even death. You need to be as informed as possible if you believe you have been exposed to asbestos in any form. For more information on asbestos in consumer products or goods, contact us today at 800-781-3955.
