Lesser-known applications that may contain asbestos
Asbestos has been used in many different applications for many years, including homes, buildings and installations. This is because of its many useful properties; it is heat-resistant, wear-resistant, strong, insulating, fire-resistant and cheap. A lot of applications are well known, but are you also aware of the possible presence of asbestos in these products?
Talc powder and make up
Talc absorbs moisture, has a cooling effect and prevents skin irritations. It is used for babies against itching or red buttocks and is also the basic product for make-up. Talc can contain asbestos, and this problem literally starts in the ground. Talc and asbestos are both minerals. A talc layer can contain an asbestos vein, which means that the natural products can already mix in the ground. If talc is not properly tested and cleaned, the presence of asbestos can be missed. Previously, low concentrations of asbestos were found in various (childrens) make-up products from the brand Claire's. Several cosmetics companies, including Chanel, Revlon and L'Oréal, decided to quietly reduce the use of talc in their products.
Tile adhesive
More and more often it appears that tile adhesives also contain asbestos. This can be applied to floor and wall tiles in kitchens, bathrooms and toilets in homes built before the asbestos ban. A study is currently in progress in the Netherlands to investigate which amount asbestos has been used in homes.
Blast grit
Blasting grit is used, among other things, to remove rust or paint from a steel or plastic surface. In addition, the granular material is regularly used for maintenance and renovation in construction. In the Netherlands, in October 2017, it appeared that small quantities of white asbestos - also known as chrysotile - were not intentionally used in blasting grit from producing company Eurogrit. Within three months of the product appearing, it was withdrawn from the market. It is unclear how many people did get in touch with it, 140 companies may have worked with the contaminated blasting grit. The number of locations may be even higher.
Car brakes
Asbestos is known as a wear- and heat-resistant material. For these reasons, asbestos was also used in the car industry in the past. Due to its tensile strength, asbestos was often used in friction materials such as brake linings and clutch plates. Since 1994, asbestos may no longer be used in brake linings and gaskets in the Netherlands. In the years before, many materials in cars were replaced by less harmful alternatives. But it’s for sure that cars from before 1994 could still contain asbestos.
Household appliances
Asbestos was used in older small household appliances that needed heat resistance. Like coffee pots, toasters, irons, electric blankets and fireproof gloves. When in use not immediately dangerous, but a serious hazard to the home do-it-yourselfer and the repairman. Most of these old devices aren’t in use anymore but can be found at flea markets or at collectors. If anyone still uses them, you can be exposed to asbestos through frayed wiring. Collectors of these appliances as antiques should be careful when handling them.
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Disclaimer:
The products mentioned in this article/email may exceptionally contain asbestos. This is not common. If you have any doubts about a certain product and want clarity, a professional analysis is necessary.
