Asbestos Fire Prevention Materials
Due to the mineral's resistance to high temperatures and its flame-repellant properties, asbestos was used to make a wide variety of fire prevention materials during the 1900s. The substance provided a cheap, yet durable and flexible material that could be used in many products to help quell the spread of fire.
Fire prevention materials that contain asbestos have been used in many homes, offices, hospitals, schools and buildings throughout the United States. While the use of asbestos in these products was phased out during the 1980s, older fire prevention materials may still contain the potentially-harmful substance.
Commonly Used Asbestos Fire Prevention Materials
Some of the most common fire prevention materials made with asbestos include:
- Fire blankets – Fire blankets containing asbestos were commonly relied upon to put out both small and medium-sized fires. Because the blankets have often been used to put out flames that have spread to an individual's clothing or skin, they have placed a number of people in direct contact with the harmful substance over the years.
- Metal mesh blankets – Metal mesh blankets were originally designed to assist welders and others in building-related industries. The blankets, which were frequently composed of interwoven metal and asbestos strands, were often draped over workers and surfaces in order to prevent burns or other injuries.
- Fire curtains – Typically used in theaters, fire curtains containing asbestos are heavy products used to put out stage fires that might otherwise endanger audience members. The curtains were typically located directly above the stage, and pose the highest risk of exposure during removal or use after extended periods of inactivity.
- Fire dampers – Fire dampers are safety devices commonly placed within the duct systems of buildings in order to prevent the spread of fire from one area to another. Asbestos was commonly used to manufacture fire dampers and helped the dampers compartmentalize and contain fires within buildings.
- Fire doors – Fire doors made of vermiculite boards that contained asbestos were frequently installed in buildings during the mid-1900s. The doors, which often resembled normal wooden doors, were used to help prevent the spread of fire from one room or area of a building to another.
- Fire foil panels and boards – Fire foil boards and panels made of asbestos provide a heat reflective material that can help prevent the spread of asbestos in buildings. Asbestos was used in fire foil boards and panels until the late 1970s.
Hazards of Asbestos Fire Prevention Materials
If in good condition, asbestos-containing fire prevention materials may not pose a significant health hazard. However, if fire curtains, fire blankets, fire doors or other materials are damaged due to heat, moisture or excessive wear and tear, the products can become friable. Friable asbestos materials can pose a health hazard, as the microscopic asbestos fibers contained within the product can easily be released into the air.
During renovation projects, building demolition or other construction projects involving structures build prior to the 1980s, it is important to be aware of asbestos-containing fire prevention materials. Individuals are advised to use a professional experienced in the handling of asbestos materials during the removal or demolition process.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Wednesday, February 8th, 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.
