Common Household Asbestos Products
Despite common belief, some United States manufacturers still use asbestos, and household asbestos products are quite common in the home and garage. Accidental asbestos exposure could be dangerous. You could be eligible for compensation if you’ve been exposed to household asbestos products and developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness in Minnesota. Talk to the experienced team at Sieben Polk P.A. to determine your legal options.
Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the peritoneum and lungs that can be fatal. Although the toxic effects of asbestos exposure are well-known, you can still find the material in household products such as makeup, construction products, and automotive parts. The consequences of long-term or regular asbestos exposure can be serious.
Don’t waste any time if you think your exposure to asbestos products around the house or garage has led to mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness. Contact the experienced lawyers at Sieben Polk P.A. We can determine your eligibility for compensation and discuss your legal options.
Do Products Still Contain Asbestos?
Yes, some household products still contain asbestos.
Until the 1970s, manufacturers frequently used asbestos in their products because of the material’s strength and resistance to fire and heat. Since then, manufacturers finally accepted that asbestos was causing lung damage and cancer, and they significantly decreased its use and applications.
The Environmental Protection Agency has imposed numerous regulations to minimize asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, these regulations haven’t entirely stopped asbestos products from reaching the general public. Many United States-based companies import materials from countries that continue to mine for asbestos.
Today, most companies know asbestos is hazardous and avoid using it, but products made with talc can still contain naturally occurring asbestos. Other goods, such as automotive, heatproof, or fire-resistant products, were frequently manufactured with asbestos due to the material’s insulating properties.
Household Products Containing Asbestos
There are two types of asbestos found in household products: Chrysotile asbestos, or white asbestos, and amosite asbestos, or brown asbestos. Both are toxic and can cause health problems from exposure.
Products With Asbestos-Contaminated Talc
Cosmetic products that contain asbestos-contaminated talc can pose health risks. Talcum powder is used in makeup products to prevent caking and create a consistent texture.
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral often found near asbestos caches. Talc, itself, is not hazardous. However, due to its proximity to asbestos deposits, asbestos fibers often end up interwoven with talc, and it’s common for the asbestos fibers to get processed into talc powder.
Most famously, Johnson & Johnson produced its baby powder with asbestos-contaminated talc for decades without disclosing the contamination to the public. Hundreds of internal memos were made public by the New York Times, illustrating that Johnson & Johnson executives knew of the asbestos contamination.
Johnson & Johnson finally changed its baby powder to a cornstarch-based formula in 2023 after a global movement and extensive investigation showed that the company’s product had strong ties to mesothelioma and ovarian cancer.
Contaminated talc can be found in makeup products such as foundation, eyeshadow, lipstick, and setting powder. It has even been used in toy makeup sets for children.
Without testing, it’s impossible to tell if a talc-based product contains asbestos fibers. The Food & Drug Administration tests talc products for asbestos yearly but only checks about 50 samples out of millions of products annually. The only way to ensure your safety is to avoid talc-based products altogether.
Asbestos in Appliances
Some appliances contain asbestos in insulation or heating elements, which may release fibers when the appliance is in use. These appliances include:
- Toasters
- Hairdryers
- Hot plates and Bunsen burners
- Electric stoves and ovens
- Wood stoves and coal stoves
- Space heaters
- Slow cookers
- Popcorn makers
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines
- Clothes dryers
While the use of asbestos in appliances has become increasingly rare due to health concerns, the material is still present in many older appliances.
Products With Loose Asbestos Fibers
Products with loose fibers can pose a significant asbestos exposure risk because these fibers can become airborne when the product deteriorates or is disturbed. Some household products that have contained loose asbestos fibers include the following:
- Ironing board covers
- Pot holders and oven mitts
- Fireplace gloves
- Fireproof curtains and tapestries
- Artificial snow decorations
- Vintage or antique items
Asbestos in Paper Products
Some paper products were historically manufactured with materials containing asbestos. Paper products containing asbestos have included home and art supplies, such as textured paint, and dense paperboards, such as millboards.
Other Asbestos Products Found in the Home
You can also find asbestos in personal care products, toys, and much more.
Personal Care Products Containing Asbestos
Personal care products that contain asbestos have historically included talc-containing items.
In addition to cosmetic products, some personal care products are known to contain asbestos, including:
- Body powders: Certain body and hygiene powders, including adult body powders and foot powders, have been found to contain asbestos-contaminated talc.
- Cleansing products: Some facial cleansers and exfoliating scrubs that contain talc may have asbestos contaminants.
Asbestos in Toys and Other Products for Children
Children’s exposure to asbestos is particularly alarming, as they are more sensitive to smaller amounts of fibers. Unfortunately, many toys and other kids’ products have tested positive for asbestos.
While regulations in many countries have prohibited asbestos in toys and children’s products, some children’s items still contain the material, particularly products imported from regions with less stringent regulations.
For example, the United States has plenty of regulations restricting the use of asbestos. Asbestos is considered a hazardous substance, and its use is reportable by law. Businesses must disclose when they produce asbestos-containing products but don’t always test for contamination.
Additionally, it’s very common for products to be outsourced to overseas manufacturing hubs, where the restrictions on asbestos use are much looser or nonexistent. Thus, products manufactured in such countries may contain asbestos.
In addition, vintage or secondhand products pre-dating the regulations may contain asbestos.
You may find asbestos in the following children’s products:
- Crayons
- Molding clay
- Science kits
- Children's makeup
Parents and caregivers must be vigilant when selecting toys and products for children and ensure they meet current safety standards.
Other Products Containing Asbestos
Other household products containing asbestos can include:
- Chalkboards
- Cigarette filters
- Fertilizers
- Greenhouse benches
- Hair dryers
- Ironing board covers
- Lawn mowers
Companies Associated With Asbestos Consumer Goods
Johnson & Johnson wasn’t the only consumer goods company to become famous for an asbestos scandal. Other companies whose products have been found to contain asbestos include:
- Johns Manville Corporation: is a major manufacturer of construction materials, such as insulation and roofing shingles, and has been responsible for selling asbestos-containing products and exposing workers. For decades, the company covered up reports showing the dangerous effects of asbestos on workers and nearby residents. The Environmental Protection Agency has conducted numerous cleanups since 1998 to reduce the negative effects of asbestos contamination.
- W.R. Grace and Company: W.R. Grace manufactured and sold construction materials, including insulation products that contained asbestos because of its heat-resistant properties. In 2001, W.R. Grace filed for bankruptcy after extensive time in court for the asbestos-related injuries the company caused.
- Owens Corning Fiberglass Corporation: Owens Corning made and sold commercial and industrial insulation products that contained asbestos fibers. After establishing an asbestos injury trust to pay out hundreds of thousands of claimants, Owens Corning filed for bankruptcy in 2000.
How To Handle and Dispose of Consumer Goods Containing Asbestos
Handling and disposing of consumer goods containing asbestos requires careful and safe procedures to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure.
Handling Asbestos-Containing Consumer Goods
For your safety, always use these procedures when handling goods that could contain asbestos:
- Do not disturb: If you suspect an item contains asbestos, avoid handling it unnecessarily, and do not disturb or create dust from the material.
- Limit access: Keep the area where the item is stored or located restricted to prevent accidental exposure, especially to children and pets.
- Wear protective gear: When handling potentially asbestos-containing materials, wear protective gear, including disposable coveralls, gloves, and a mask with a high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filter to minimize the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers.
- Use wet methods: If you must handle the item, dampen the material to reduce the release of asbestos fibers.
- Avoid power tools: Do not use power tools or abrasive materials that may create dust when working with asbestos-containing materials.
Disposing of Asbestos-Containing Consumer Goods
You should never try to dispose of asbestos-containing products without consulting a trained professional. There are serious health risks inherent in the removal and disposal of asbestos.
A professional will follow these procedures to dispose of asbestos:
- Follow legal requirements: Your state's environmental regulatory agency can help you properly dispose of asbestos-containing materials. Some states have specific requirements for packaging, labeling, and transport. Find your state's asbestos program representative on the EPA's website.
- Use safe packaging: Bag asbestos-containing materials in thick, leak-tight plastic bags designed for asbestos disposal.
- Label hazards: Clearly label the bags with wording such as "contains asbestos" or use appropriate hazard warning labels as local regulations require.
- Transport to a disposal site: Arrange for authorized transportation of asbestos-containing materials to a licensed disposal site or landfill that accepts asbestos waste.
- Dispose at authorized facilities: Asbestos waste should be taken to a facility licensed and equipped to handle asbestos disposal. Do not dispose of asbestos waste in regular household trash or recycling bins.
- Decontaminate yourself and the area: Decontaminate yourself and your clothing thoroughly after handling asbestos-containing materials. Shower and wash your clothes separately from other laundry.
- Monitor health: If you believe you were exposed to asbestos fibers, consult a health care professional for evaluation and follow-up.
Compensation for Exposure to Asbestos Products
Sieben Polk P.A. has served clients injured by asbestos-containing materials for over 50 years. We’ve won over $840 million in compensation for Minnesota residents harmed by asbestos exposure.
For instance, our liability attorneys have recovered a $5 million settlement for a Minnesota pipe fitter exposed to asbestos-containing materials. We also won over $8 million for a client exposed to asbestos after working as a pipefitter at a refinery. Those are just two of many multi-million dollar settlements that we’ve been able to score for our clients. We have also secured top results in wrongful death claims for families who lost loved ones to asbestos-related illnesses.
Contact one of our skilled mesothelioma attorneys to determine if you’re eligible for compensation.
We’re Here To Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
Asbestos-related injuries can be time-sensitive. Don’t wait. Contact us online or at 651-369-4841 for a free consultation. You don’t pay us unless we obtain compensation for your claim.
- Do Products Still Contain Asbestos?
- Household Products Containing Asbestos
- Other Asbestos Products Found in the Home
- Companies Associated With Asbestos Consumer Goods
- How To Handle and Dispose of Consumer Goods Containing Asbestos
- Compensation for Exposure to Asbestos Products
- We’re Here To Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
