Glassbestos & Asbestos Micarta
Used mainly in the 1900s, asbestos was incorporated into a variety of construction materials. Two of the most common building products that contained the substance include:
- Glassbestos
- Asbestos Micarta
Asbestos is no longer used in these products but may be still be present in homes, offices, schools and other buildings constructed prior to the 1980s.
Glassbestos
Glassbestos is a fine but sturdy substance composed of specific proportions of glass and asbestos. Another version of glassbestos, typically called glasbestos, is made of fiberglass and asbestos.
Glassbestos was commonly used to provide building insulation, as the product is very strong, fire resistant and long-lasting. Glassbestos was frequently used in pipes and electrical wiring. A spin-off of glassbestos called glassbestos tape was touted for its flexibility and used to provide insulation in bent or sharp-angled locations. Glassbestos products were placed in both commercial buildings and homes.
Asbestos Micarta
Asbestos Micarta refers to a brand name laminate material produced by Norplex-Micarta. The material is composed of asbestos and plastic, and was used to provide electrical insulation.
The asbestos component of the material helped provide resistance to high temperatures, as well as the tensile and sturdy nature needed for versatile use. Asbestos Micarta has been employed in the construction, automotive and heavy equipment industries, among others.
Asbestos Micarta was sometimes used in items such as:
- Knife handles
- Pool cues
- Guitar fret boards
Glassbestos, Asbestos Micarta and Mesothelioma
When glassbestos or Micarta is disturbed and microscopic asbestos fibers are released into the air, these fibers can unknowingly be inhaled or ingested by individuals in the surrounding area.
Once in the body, asbestos fibers cannot be broken down. Instead, they can accumulate and infiltrate bodily tissues, such as those that line the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. Over time, these fibers can lead to inflammation and, in some cases, the development of a rare cancer known as mesothelioma.
Individuals Affected by Glassbestos and Asbestos Micarta
Those with the highest risk of asbestos exposure are workers who removed or repaired glassbestos or asbestos Micarta, or those who worked directly in the manufacturing processes of the materials. Additonally, demolition workers or construction crews may have been exposed to the materials during construction projects.
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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.
