Asbestos cement, or transite, has been used in many cement products throughout the years, with the materials containing as much as 50 percent asbestos.

Transite was first manufactured in 1905 and approximately 1 billion square feet of asbestos cement products were produced by 1950, including many of the following:

Pipes
Fiber boards
Shingles
Siding
Wallboard
HVAC ducts
Chimney flues

Cement Pipes

Asbestos-cement pipes are used in water distribution systems and in general construction. Thousands of miles of asbestos cement pipes have been installed in the U.S. and may not need to be replaced for more than 70 years. Pipes were lined with asbestos cement in the mid-1900s in order to reinforce the pipe and create a smooth pipe interior.

Asbestos fibers were mixed with Portland cement and used to coat pipes in order to increase the overall durability of the material. Cement pipes may contain asbestos and have been used in the following construction materials:

Gas ventilation
Water and sewage distribution
Electrical wire conduits
Building air ducts
Gas heating

Unless broken, sawed or cut, cement pipes that contain asbestos are not considered to be dangerous. Typically, the asbestos fibers in cement pipes are contained in a wet mixture and the emission of asbestos fibers in this process is considered low. However, if the material is friable, or able to be crushed or pulverized with hand pressure, microscopic asbestos fibers can be released into the air and create a health hazard.

Asbestos cement pipes that have become corroded over time may soften and lose mechanical strength. As the pipe weakens, asbestos fibers can be released from the pipes and into the water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a safe level of asbestos is 7 million fibers or less per liter of water.

Prolonged exposure to asbestos or high consumption of the fibers in drinking water can increase the risk of cancer and asbestos-related diseases. Plumbers and pipe fitters may also be exposed to asbestos when replacing or repairing pipes.

Cement Siding

Asbestos-containing cement siding is used to cover the exterior of residential and commercial structures. Asbestos siding may be textured, grooved or smooth and often resembles wood shingles. The siding may be applied to buildings to increase the resistance to fire. Asbestos cement siding was also used to protect against termites, rot and general weathering.

Asbestos siding is not considered to be a health hazard unless sanded or damaged. Intact siding binds asbestos fibers inside the cement, but if sawed, drilled, chipped or cut, the fibers may become friable.

Furnace and Refractory Cement

Furnace cement, or stove cement, is a type of joint compound and adhesive that is used in areas exposed to extreme heat. Furnace cement may be applied in the following areas:

Boilers
Stoves
Chimneys
Kilns
Refractories
Manufacturing plants

Asbestos-containing furnace cement is also resistant to combustible fuels such as oil and coal and helps maintain a safe temperature in the area surrounding boilers and furnaces.

Furnace cement that has begun to crumble or break apart can allow asbestos fibers to become airborne. As furnace cement has been used in residential homes and buildings built prior to the 1980s, residents and workers may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.

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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center | Last Modified Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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