Asbestos Products

Cork Filled Mastic

Cork and asbestos were commonly used insulating materials, often together. Cork board and cork covering were often wrapped around refrigeration pipes or in other places where low temperature insulation properties were needed. Cork filled mastic was an insulation solution that was used when only a thin layer of insulation was needed, often to reduce moisture. Sometimes called "anti-sweat" insulation, its main purpose was to insulate the cooling pipes or cold surfaces from the warmer outside air.

Cork filled mastic containing asbestos could be sprayed on, painted on or applied with a trowel. It dries into a thin layer of cork that adheres to the surface on which it is applied, generally a metal surface. Cork filled mastic used today in insulation does not contain asbestos, but those who work in insulation or refrigeration may still encounter asbestos laced cork filled mastic in their work, particularly when replacing worn insulation or updating refrigeration and air conditioning ducts.

While anyone who worked with asbestos containing products on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma, those who worked with products like cork filled mastic as spray insulation have a high chance of having inhaled asbestos fibers in the air.

Since the 1960s, thousands of people a year are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the lining around the lungs, the heart or the abdominal cavity. It is invariably fatal, and often excruciatingly painful. Mesothelioma thickens the lining around the lung, constricting breathing and slowly suffocating its victim. Its only known cause is exposure to asbestos.

Many of the companies that manufactured and sold products containing asbestos were aware of the connection between asbestos and lung disease. Rather than work to mitigate the hazards or alert workers so that they could take safety precautions, they conspired to hide evidence and conceal the dangers of asbestos to those who worked with it or came in contact with it. Because of their actions in concealing the deadly hazards of asbestos, many courts have awarded millions of dollars in settlements to those who developed mesothelioma as a result of their exposure to asbestos.

It's a common misconception that the danger of asbestos exposure no longer exists. Because asbestos was so widely used in construction and manufacturing, there is still a very real danger of exposure to asbestos. Anyone working in insulation, renovation, restoration, demolition or asbestos abatement will be exposed to asbestos that is already in use. In addition, many products being used today still contain asbestos.

If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past or are in an occupation where the risk of asbestos exposure is high, you should be aware of the early symptoms of mesothelioma. While there is typically a long period between exposure and diagnosis of mesothelioma, many of those diagnosed with mesothelioma had been experiencing symptoms for some time. If you experience increasing shortness of breath, develop an unusual cough that persists, frequently have difficulty breathing or experience frequent tightness around your chest, you should contact your doctor and express your concern. Be certain that you mention your exposure to asbestos. There are newer tests that can be done to detect mesothelioma in its earlier stages, which increases your options for treatment.

Finally, you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a consultation with an experienced mesothelioma or asbestos lawyer can tell you whether you may be entitled to compensation for your illness and loss due to asbestos exposure.

Show Your Support

Get Your Own Asbestos      Awareness Wristband
Attention Veterans
Related News