Key Takeaways
- Asbestos was used extensively in the United States throughout much of the 1900s — in homes, schools, buildings, ships, and automobiles — because it was heat-resistant, flexible, durable, and inexpensive.
- In homes, asbestos was commonly found in vinyl floor covering, roof shingles and siding, soundproofing and decorative materials, and textured paints. Asbestos becomes dangerous when it is disturbed — such as during renovations or demolition.
- Pennsylvania regulates asbestos through the Department of Environmental Protection (removal, transportation, and disposal) and the Department of Labor and Industry, which enforces the Pennsylvania Asbestos Occupations and Certification Act of 1990.
- More than 300 asbestos-containing materials were used on U.S. Navy ships — including boilers, cables, block insulation, adhesives, pumps, valves, and packing materials — exposing thousands of Navy veterans to asbestos.
- The automotive industry used asbestos in brakes, clutches, gaskets, brake linings, disc brakes, drum brakes, and transmission plates. Companies including Bendix Corporation, General Motors, and Advance Auto Parts produced parts containing asbestos.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring silicate material, was used extensively in the United States for much of the 1900s, up until 1980. It was very attractive due to a few characteristics, like its heat resistance and flexibility. It was used in schools, homes, and buildings because it had qualities that most other materials did not have and it was relatively cheap.
This material can become a huge problem when it is disturbed. For instance, if asbestos insulation was used in a home and that home is then renovated, the asbestos can be released into the home, exposing those who live there.
Asbestos in the Home
Asbestos was used in the construction industry, shipbuilding industry, insulation, welding, auto mechanic industry, and more. It was widely used in homes up until 1980. Some products in homes that contained this material included vinyl floor covering, roof shingles and siding, soundproofing or decorative materials, and textured paints.
Regulations
Asbestos is regulated in Pennsylvania in different ways. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has regulations put in place for the removal, transportation, collection, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry enforces the Pennsylvania Asbestos Occupations and Certification Act of 1990. This act makes sure that inspectors, contractors, project designers, supervisors, workers, and management planners all have a certification.
Asbestos on Ships
Asbestos was used a lot to build ships prior to 1980. This has caused many navy veterans to develop asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma. Over 300 asbestos-containing materials were used on ships until the public started to become aware of how hazardous a material it is. Some products/materials that contained this material on US Navy ships were boilers, cables, block insulation, adhesives, pumps, valves, and packing materials. This is not even close to all the materials that contained asbestos on these ships.
The Automotive Industry and Asbestos
This material was also widely used in the automotive industry, in brakes, clutches, and gaskets. Anyone who worked on cars is at a risk for developing mesothelioma. Since automotive parts contain friction and high temperatures, it was the ideal material. Some other automotive parts that asbestos was used in include brake linings, brake pads, disc brakes, drum brakes, and transmission plates. Some companies that produced parts containing this material were Bendix Corporation, General Motors, and Advance Auto Parts. Auto mechanics, railroad workers, and assembly line workers are all among those at risk of developing mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, please call 1 (800) 505-6000 or fill out our form. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was asbestos commonly used?
Asbestos was used across a wide range of industries and settings, including:
- Homes and buildings — vinyl flooring, roof shingles, siding, soundproofing, decorative materials, textured paints, and insulation
- Ships — boilers, cables, block insulation, adhesives, pumps, valves, and packing materials
- Automotive industry — brakes, clutches, gaskets, brake linings, disc brakes, drum brakes, and transmission plates
- Other industries — construction, welding, insulation installation, and manufacturing
Asbestos was valued for its heat resistance, flexibility, durability, and low cost — qualities that made it attractive across virtually every industry that dealt with heat or structural integrity.
Is there asbestos in my home?
If your home was built before 1980, there is a possibility that asbestos-containing materials were used in its construction. Common locations include vinyl floor coverings, roof shingles and siding, insulation, soundproofing materials, and textured paints. Asbestos is generally not dangerous when it is intact and undisturbed — it becomes hazardous when materials are damaged, deteriorated, or disturbed during renovation or demolition, releasing microscopic fibers into the air. If you suspect asbestos in your home, have a professional inspection done before starting any renovation work.
How does Pennsylvania regulate asbestos?
Pennsylvania regulates asbestos through two agencies:
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection — oversees regulations for the removal, transportation, collection, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials
- Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry — enforces the Pennsylvania Asbestos Occupations and Certification Act of 1990, which requires that inspectors, contractors, project designers, supervisors, workers, and management planners all hold proper certification before working with asbestos
These regulations ensure that any work involving asbestos in Pennsylvania is performed by trained, certified professionals following strict safety protocols.
How were Navy veterans exposed to asbestos on ships?
More than 300 different asbestos-containing materials were used in the construction and maintenance of U.S. Navy ships prior to 1980. Asbestos was found in boilers, cables, block insulation, adhesives, pumps, valves, packing materials, and many other components. Navy veterans who served aboard these ships — particularly those who worked in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and below-deck areas — were regularly exposed to airborne asbestos fibers, often in poorly ventilated spaces.
Which automotive parts contained asbestos?
Asbestos was used extensively in automotive parts that involved friction and high temperatures:
- Brake linings and brake pads
- Disc brakes and drum brakes
- Clutches
- Gaskets
- Transmission plates
Companies including Bendix Corporation, General Motors, and Advance Auto Parts produced parts containing asbestos. Auto mechanics, railroad workers, and assembly line workers who handled these parts are all at elevated risk for developing mesothelioma.
When does asbestos become dangerous?
Asbestos is generally not dangerous when it is intact and undisturbed. It becomes hazardous when asbestos-containing materials are damaged, deteriorated, cut, sanded, drilled, or demolished — any action that releases microscopic fibers into the air. Once airborne, these fibers can be inhaled or ingested, eventually becoming embedded in tissue and potentially causing mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis decades later.
What should I do if I’ve been exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with a related disease?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, understanding your exposure history and legal options is an important first step. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
