Asbestos Brick, Block Mortar, Masonry Fill & Bonding Cement

Asbestos, a mineral commonly used for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and fire, was found in numerous products up until the 1980s. In 1977, the use of asbestos was banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission due to serious health and safety concerns, but asbestos-containing products are still present in homes and commercial properties today.

Three products used in the bonding and insulation of blocks and brick that are known to have contained asbestos include brick and block mortar, masonry fill and bonding cement.

Brick and Block Mortar

Brick and block mortar, or the workable paste that binds blocks and brick together, often contained between 80 and 95 percent asbestos before 1980, placing those who worked with or around the mortar in danger of exposure to toxic asbestos fibers. Mortar becomes very hard once it sets and was used to seal cracks and crevasses and bind construction bricks together. Asbestos was often added to the mix to increase the strength and fire-resistant properties of the mortar.

Masonry Fill

Like brick and block mortar, masonry fill was used between blocks. Poured in between cinder blocks to produce extra insulation, masonry fill commonly contained asbestos due to the mineral's durability and heat-resistant properties.

Bonding Cement

Bonding cement is used for a variety of purposes. Often used as a coating for insulation and a base coat for stucco and decorative wall finishes, bonding cement was used in both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. The bonding cement used prior to 1980 often contained as much as 15 percent asbestos, placing those who came in contact with bonding cement at risk of asbestos exposure.  

Hazards of Brick and Block Mortar, Masonry Fill and Bonding Cement

Brick and block mortar, masonry fill and bonding cement made with asbestos can be very dangerous when disturbed. This often occurs due to:

• Typical corrosion
• Renovations
• Additions to homes or buildings
• Maintenance of buildings
• Pressure cleaning
• Weather
• Demolition

The disturbance of the asbestos-tainted products can generate dust containing tiny asbestos fibers which enter the air. Individuals nearby may then inhale or ingest the toxic fibers. If the tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged inside the body. Once there, the fibers can cause irritation and inflammation, which, over time, may cause serious health conditions to develop.

Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers may lead to a variety of health complications, including asbestosis or mesothelioma, a rare cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma may also affect the heart, abdomen and, very rarely, the testicles.