Asbestos has excellent heat and electrical insulation properties, is fireproof, is chemical resistant, and is strong, durable and cost-effective. Unfortunately, it can also be a very dangerous material if tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled, leading to a greater risk of Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Insulation workers who used asbestos insulation were thus one of the occupations at a high risk of contracting these diseases. Today, special asbestos removal companies need to remove the previous asbestos before new insulation can be installed.

Asbestos Insulation

The heat resistant, electrical resistant and fireproof properties of asbestos meant that in the past it was considered an ideal insulating material. This insulation was used in a wide variety of applications in homes, schools, factories, on ships, and in various vehicles. The applications ranged from the insulation of boilers to the insulation of electrical wires in homes, and many others.

The Dangers of Asbestos Insulation

Asbestos was not particularly dangerous when it was in whole insulation wires, or in confined insulation around boilers, or anywhere where it was in one piece. However, when the asbestos got disturbed, broken, or got damaged in any way, then tiny asbestos particles could be released into the air. Insulation workers, who worked in an environment where asbestos-containing materials were applied, installed, or repaired were thus at risk of inhaling this airborne asbestos, thereby increasing their risk of contracting Mesothelioma.

Asbestos Insulation Today

Asbestos insulation is no longer used today, but there may still be many applications where it already exists and needs to be removed. In these situations, it is important that proper precautions are taken and only specially trained workers are allowed to remove the asbestos. Once the old asbestos has been removed, insulation workers can then come in and replace the asbestos-containing insulation with non-asbestos insulation.

Asbestos and Contracting Mesothelioma

Asbestos insulation was widely used in a wide variety of applications and areas including homes, schools, factories, ships and in vehicles. Its heat and electrical resistant properties, as well as its fireproof characteristic, and the fact that it was cost-effective meant that for a long time it was considered the ideal insulating material. However, asbestos insulation greatly increased the risk of insulation workers contracting Mesothelioma. The use of asbestos has therefore now been banned or is being phased out. Where asbestos insulation still needs to be removed, the government has put in place specific guidelines for its removal.