Products & Materials That Contain Asbestos

5 Apr 2024

While it might be banned from use in the modern era, it's not difficult to see why asbestos was as widely used as it was. Whether talking about the residential, commercial or industrial spheres, the material's properties made it hugely popular in buildings and in many of the products people used in their daily lives. 

The sheer scale of its use during the 1950s, '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s means that it's still a big concern today, particularly for tradespeople and construction workers in demolition or refurbishment that involves asbestos removal and disposal. 

Let's take a look at just how widespread its use was. In terms of construction and manufacturing, it was used in:

• Automotive parts, such as brake pads, hood liners, gaskets, clutches and valves 

• Cement to offer strength and improve fire resistance without adding weight 

• Floor tiles, ceiling tiles and adhesives

• Textiles and clothing, due to its resistance to heat and corrosive elements.

• Laboratory equipment

• Electrical components

• Construction mastics

• Vinyl products 

• Duct connectors

• Insulation

• Plastics

The use of asbestos didn't end there either, as there were also countless applications of the material in a residential setting, such as:

• Wicking for gas ranges

• Zonolite home insulation

• Home appliances 

• Ashtray holders

• Talcum powder

• Cigarette filters

• Makeup 

Unknowingly, people were surrounded by the dangers of asbestos. While it's no longer present in the products we use in Ireland, its residual effects are still acutely felt. Many buildings and homes in this era still contain asbestos today. 

Asbestos Exposure Remains an Ongoing Problem

Asbestos monitoring, asbestos surveys and the many other control measures that exist to control this dangerous substance remain as relevant today as ever. As such, if you're involved in demolishing or renovating an established building in Ireland, you must be sure asbestos isn't present for safety reasons and strict asbestos regulations. 

To learn more about us and our work in occupational hygiene, please visit us online at www.ohss.ie. Alternatively, to speak to one of our experts, call 01 6905907, and we'll be more than happy to assist however we can.

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