01. Asbestos Use
Why Was Asbestos Used in Textiles?
In the United States, asbestos fibers were commonly used to make cloth, fabric and other textiles. The mineral was popular because of its strength and heat-resistant characteristics.
Chrysotile was one of the most common types of asbestos used in textiles. The fibrous nature of chrysotile asbestos made it easy to spin or weave into fabric.
Workers used asbestos textiles in many situations to protect them from fire and heat. For example, firefighters, welders and industrial workers wore asbestos clothing. People who worked with hot machinery also used asbestos cloth.
Asbestos Textiles History at a Glance
- Other Names: Asbestos blankets, cloth, clothing, fabric, garments
- Years of Manufacture: 1880s – 1980s
- Places Used: Factories, oil refineries, power plants, ships, shipyards, steel mills, textile factories
- Asbestos Use Banned: No
- Noteworthy Brands: Garlock Sealing Technologies, Johns-Manville, Raybestos-Manhattan Inc., Uniroyal Holding Inc.
Dangers of Asbestos in Textiles
The dangers of asbestos textiles were known for decades before many companies stopped using them. Workers who spun raw asbestos into threaded materials faced high risks of inhaling the dangerous mineral. Those who used these materials to make cloth and fabrics also faced exposure risks.
Research into the effects of asbestos on textile workers goes back more than 50 years. In 1965, a scientific journal published a paper comparing deaths between asbestos textile and cotton textile workers. Workers who made asbestos textiles had higher rates of cancer and asbestosis.
Another study reviewed health records of asbestos textile workers in Italy. They were significantly more likely to die from mesothelioma or lung cancer than the average person.
Textile workers diagnosed with asbestos diseases can seek treatment from mesothelioma cancer centers. These centers have doctors who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses.
02. Product List
List of Asbestos Textile Products
A variety of textile products were once made with asbestos fibers. Click on the linked asbestos products below to see brand names and specific products.
- Aprons
- Brake linings
- Cloth
- Cord
- Fire blankets
- Fire curtains
- Fireproof clothing
- Furniture padding
- Gloves
- Heat mats
- Insulation
- Ironing board covers
- Oven mitts
- Pipe coverings
- Roofing felt
- Ropes
- Tapes
- Yarn
Many companies manufactured asbestos textiles. These companies often knew the dangers of asbestos but failed to warn workers and consumers.
03. Exposure Risks
Who Is at Risk of Asbestos Exposure From Textiles?
Workers in a number of industries faced asbestos exposure risk from textiles. People who made asbestos textiles often handled raw asbestos or wove asbestos yarn into fabrics. Across different textile industries, machines like looms may have contained the mineral.
People who worked with asbestos textiles on the job also faced occupational exposure risks. Workers in a number of trades used asbestos cloths, padding and other textiles to insulate against heat and fire.
People who lived with asbestos workers may have experienced secondary asbestos exposure. This occurs when a worker accidentally brings asbestos home on their clothes or in their hair. Some people may have also been exposed when doing workers’ laundry.
Workers and others who develop mesothelioma can seek compensation. Money from a mesothelioma lawsuit can help pay for medical costs and other expenses that come with a diagnosis. Patients and their families can contact asbestos attorneys to explore their legal options.
