Asbestos caulk
Aged caulk leaves the asbestos contained within in a friable state and releases dangerous fibers into the environment when it gets to be removed, posing a serious health risk for the people in its proximity.
Claim Evaluation
1935
1986
PRODUCT USE
51 years
Most caulking products used up to 25% of asbestos in their formulas. There were cases where asbestos was found in a proportion of over 90% in caulk, as this mineral’s properties increased the product’s durability and malleability. The most common type of asbestos used was chrysotile (white asbestos) as it seemingly made the caulk less friable.
The risk of asbestos exposure increased with the degree of damage the caulk presented. There were many external factors that contributed to the deterioration of this asbestos contaminated product, from water, impact or pressure to drilling and sanding. In any of these cases, the fibers of asbestos would have been released into the atmosphere. You could have been exposed if:
- You found yourself working in old structures
- You worked directly with asbestos containing caulk
- You performed demolition work
- You did remodeling work in old buildings
- You worked on ships
- You performed plumbing or duct work
