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Firebrick

Firebrick, or refractory brick, is a block of ceramic material made from clay that is used to line high-temperature areas such as furnaces. The brick is designed to withstand extreme heat, contain or stop fires from spreading from a designated area and reduce potential damage in the event of an explosion.

Firebricks may be used to contain fires in the following structures:

  • Chimneys
  • Boilers
  • Furnaces
  • Kilns
  • Stoves
  • Fireboxes
  • Fireplaces

This material has also been used in construction as a type of building brick.

Asbestos was added to firebricks during the early 1900s due to the material's durability, strength and flame-retardant properties. Although firebricks are no longer manufactured with asbestos fibers, older homes or buildings may still contain asbestos firebricks.

Hazards of Firebrick

Firebricks were often lined or cemented with asbestos, as this mineral is fire-resistant and held together very well in extremely high temperatures. Workers who manufactured and installed firebricks may have been directly exposed to asbestos because many did not wear protective gear such as masks or gloves.

Common industries that may have handled asbestos firebrick include:

  • Masonry
  • Bricklaying
  • Refractory
  • Metal foundries

Sawing, grinding, sanding or damaging firebricks may cause the brick to emit asbestos fibers. Microscopic asbestos fibers that have become airborne may remain suspended in the air for hours or days if the brick becomes damaged. Those in contact with the material may inhale or ingest the fibers.

Bricks that are whole and intact are not considered to be a health hazard, as the asbestos is contained within the brick and is unable to escape. If a fire brick is friable, or is able to be crushed, pulverized or crumbled through the use of hand pressure, then it is considered to be dangerous.

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