Asbestos Agricultural Filler
Asbestos was used in a wide variety of products throughout the 1900s. One common product that was made with asbestos was agricultural filler, a composite mixture of additives that could be blended with plastics and other compounds in order to alter the chemical and physical properties of the final material. By adding agricultural fillers and asbestos fibers to plastics and other materials, the materials could be strengthened and the quality could be improved with relatively low cost.
Agricultural filler was used for a variety of different purposes in the manufacturing industry and was commonly made of agricultural byproducts, including:
- Grains
- Soy hull
- Soy stems
- Rice straw
- Wheat straw
- Shell husks
- Grass
- Corn
Asbestos was often added to agricultural filler in order to provide resistance to high temperatures, as well as added strength and durability. The cost-effective nature of asbestos also made the product an appealing component for agricultural filler.
Uses for Agricultural Filler
Agricultural filler could be found in a variety of different products, depending on the materials used. Prior to the 1970s and 1980s, when the potential dangers of asbestos were discovered, asbestos fibers were often added to agricultural fillers used in both thermoset and thermoplastic polymer plastics. Asbestos-containing agricultural filler could be used in polyesters, nylon, PVC (polyvinyl chloride polymer), polypropylene, resins and other plastic materials.
Some examples of products that could contain agricultural filler and asbestos fibers include:
- Automotive panels
- Brake pads and shoes
- Clutch facings
- Seals and gaskets
- Wall panels
- Ceiling tiles
- Furniture
- Doors
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Vinyl wallpaper
- Electrical panels and partitions
Hazards of Agricultural Filler
Products that contain agricultural filler were used in a wide range of homes and commercial buildings, as well as other structures and products. The materials may pose a health hazard if asbestos fibers become dislodged or released into the air. It is important to avoid cutting, ripping, sawing or drilling materials that may contain asbestos as a filler, as the fibers can then become airborne and be inhaled. Inhaled asbestos fibers can become lodged in the body and cause numerous health problems, including asbestos-related diseases, mesothelioma and lung inflammation.
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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.
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.
