Asbestos Crock Pots, Popcorn Poppers, Stove Mats & Pads

Asbestos was commonly found in household products during the 1900s, as the mineral was used in a variety of capacities due to its durability and natural resistance to heat and fire. Some of the most common household products known to have been created with asbestos at one time include:

• Crock pots
• Popcorn poppers
• Stove mats
• Asbestos pads

During the 1980s, the use of asbestos in most household products was phased out, but some older crock pots, popcorn poppers, stove mats and asbestos pads may still contain asbestos fibers.

Crock Pots

Originally introduced in the 1970s, crock pots that contain asbestos were used in millions of homes across the United States. Crock pots are designed to allow users to slow cook food at high temperatures.

In order to do so, however, early crock pots commonly relied on the addition of asbestos fibers to provide electrical and heat insulation within the product. Asbestos was frequently located between the inner and outer layers of the devices, as well as around the electrical wiring.

Popcorn Poppers

Asbestos was commonly used to provide wire and heat insulation in popcorn poppers manufactured during the mid-1900s. While asbestos is no longer used in modern day popcorn poppers manufactured in the United States, asbestos may still be found in popcorn poppers manufactured in other parts of the world, such as South America.

Stove Mats

Stove mats that contained asbestos were commonly placed on stove tops to protect against excessively hot pots or pans. Stove mats were often made of metal and asbestos millboard, which provided a good source of heat-resistance and insulation. Many stove mats contained a large concentration of the hazardous substance.

Asbestos Pads

Asbestos pads have been used to serve a variety of different purposes over the years. They have commonly been used as:

• Potholder pads
• Ironing board pads
• Automobile brake pads

Asbestos helped provide excellent heat and fire resistance in these products. Its flexibility and cost effective nature were also key reasons the material was used in the products.

Because of the excessive wear and tear that occurs during the braking process, asbestos pads used as automobile brake pads have been found to create an exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure.

Iron Rests

Used as early as the 1800s, asbestos iron rests, also called asbestos flat iron holders, were commonly found in the household to protect the user from hot irons. Iron rests made from asbestos provided a place to rest an iron while it was still hot and in use in order to prevent accidental fires, the charring of fabric or damage to table tops or ironing boards.
Compressed asbestos sheets were able to keep cool even while in contact with a hot iron, and the product was often iron-shaped or square.

Individuals may come into contact with iron rests if they were involved in the ironing or pressing business during the early 1900s, or if they have come into contact with the product in the home or at antique shows or yard sales.

Dangers of Asbestos Household Products

As long as asbestos-containing household products are left undisturbed and are in good condition, they generally do not pose a significant health hazard. However, if the asbestos fibers within the devices are exposed or damaged in some way, microscopic asbestos fibers can be released into the air, which place individuals in the surrounding area at risk of asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases.

Individuals Affected by Asbestos Household Products

Certain workers have been placed at exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure during occupational activities that require extensive handling of asbestos household products. Workers at particularly high risk include:

• Manufacturing workers
• Mechanics
• Small appliance repairmen

In addition to these individuals, household asbestos products such as crock pots, popcorn poppers, stove mats and asbestos pads have placed numerous consumers at risk of asbestos exposure over the years.