Asbestos Caulking & Putties
Caulking compounds and putties have been widely used in construction projects and plumbing systems since the early 1900s. Both compounds are flexible, semisolid agents used to seal cracks, seams and other gaps in construction. The agents act as a patching material to prevent the leaking of gases, liquids or other fluids between parts.
Uses for Caulking and Putties
Caulking is an adhesive, sealant material that is typically more heavy duty than putty. Caulk was originally used in the 1930s as a sealing agent to fill seams between planks on ship decks. By filling seams with caulking compounds, ships could be made watertight and airtight. Putty, also called "window putty" or "plumber's putty," is a semisolid compound that is often used to seal window panes and fill holes in surfaces prior to painting.
Caulking compounds and putties containing asbestos were commonly used as sealants in the following areas:
- Furnaces
- Boilers
- Fireplaces
- Pipes
- Stoves
- Plumbing
- Ship planks
- Wall sections
- Roofing
- Windows
- Doors
Asbestos in Caulking and Putties
Old caulking compounds used for construction and shipbuilding purposes in the early 20th century contained anywhere from 5 to 30 percent asbestos, a mineral now considered hazardous by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Old roof putties and clay-based putties are believed to have contained 10 to 20 percent asbestos. Asbestos-containing putties were sometimes used in arc lamps and light fixtures to provide protection from heat and fire.
Asbestos was commonly added to caulking compounds and putties due to its superior heat insulation properties, especially when used in situations involving heated liquids or gases. Long- or short-fiber asbestos could be combined with fillers such as water, linseed oil, white lead, resins, cement or clay to create a pliable, dough-like compound that could be applied to cracks and seams and prevent water damage and heat damage.
Potential Hazards of Asbestos Caulking and Putties
Caulk and putty that was manufactured or used prior to the 1980s may contain dangerous asbestos fibers. Sealant materials that are cracking, peeling, crumbling or flaking are especially dangerous, as tiny asbestos particles in the compounds may become airborne and cause lung damage, lung cancer, mesothelioma or other cancers if inhaled or ingested.
While modern-day caulking and putties are typically made using non-asbestos fillers, it is important to be aware of older or damaged sealant materials which may contain asbestos fibers. Asbestos fibers can be released into the air if asbestos caulk or asbestos putty is sanded, ground, scraped, sawed or otherwise disturbed during installation, renovations or construction.
Who May be Affected by Asbestos Exposure from Caulking and Putties
Individuals at risk for exposure to asbestos-containing caulking and putties include:
- Renovators
- Shipbuilders (especially during World War II)
- Construction workers
- Window fitters
- Plumbers
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Thursday, February 9th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
