The word Asbestos comes from Greek and means ‘inextinguishable’. The people of ancient Greece believed that asbestos was a ‘miracle mineral’ since it had the ability to withstand high amounts of heat. When asbestos broke into the American construction business in the late 1800s, it started a revolution of sorts. In fact, the building and construction industry boasted the most extensive use of asbestos. Its flame-retardant and heat-resistant properties made asbestos the standard material of choice to keep buildings and houses warm and safe.

How Was Asbestos Fire-retardant Coating Used?

The industry was so besotted with asbestos that it was used introduced as a ‘safe and effective’ fire-retardant in wallboards, floor and ceiling tiles, cement pipes, roofing tars and shingles, gutter and rainwater pipes. Asbestos became so indispensable to ‘human safety’ that it was mixed in with mud and texture coats like caulk, putty, plaster, and stucco. It was used to make fireproof stage curtains and it became a prime component in a number of household items like coffee pots, toasters, electric blankets, irons, and burner pads. It was even added to the heat-resistant clothing used by fire fighters and metalworkers to ensure their safety. It is estimated that by the 1970’s, this deadly toxin appeared in more than 3,000 common household products, where its main function was that of a fire-retardant.

Why Is Asbestos Fire-retardant Coating Dangerous?

Asbestos used in fireproofing becomes exceptionally dangerous to ordinary folk because it comes disguised and gains easy and permanent access. It may be used in your old floor tiles or your pipes and you would never know. A recent study based on information collected by Actuarial Profession in the UK concluded that as many as 210,000 fresh insurance claims are expected to surface in the next 35 years in the UK alone. The above study states that Britain is all set to mirror the US where several large American firms have gone into bankruptcy after paying off claims. These findings effectively nail the myth that asbestos is “yesterday’s problem”. In recent years, companies in the US alone have paid more than $70 billion in compensation. The fact is - asbestos is STILL a silent killer on the prowl.

Unknown to you, your home and the appliances you use may still contain “protective” asbestos coatings. If so, we can help you find out whether you are eligible for insurance claim and coverage.