Asbestos was considered the ‘magic’ mineral in the 1900s, due to some of its seemingly outstanding characteristics. There was no other material that had all these properties in one:

• Heat resistance
• Stable to the corrosive action of alkalis and acids
• Showed good thermal and electrical resistance
• High malleability

Little wonder then that asbestos found its way to the chemical and building industry for a number of purposes like thermal insulation, fire protection, gaskets, seals, textiles, and for making all sorts of building materials.

Asbestos was widely used to produce gaskets and packing. These gaskets ranged from the small and simple gaskets in school buildings, to the specialized and highly developed gaskets in industrial applications. Asbestos content in gaskets is estimated to be in the range of 75-80 percent, and they may occur as simple asbestos felt or composites of natural and synthetic compounds like rubber, graphite, or cement.

Why Was Asbestos Used in Gaskets?

Asbestos reinforced gaskets and packing were used very extensively in the past. Studies indicate that its use may still be prevalent in certain specialized industrial products because it is very difficult to manufacture a material that has all the properties of this ‘magic mineral’.

Unfortunately, subsequent evidences suggest that it is more appropriate to call asbestos a ‘tragic mineral’ rather than a ‘magic mineral’. Asbestos is the single cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos related lung problems are on the rise in the US and UK. All the major diseases caused by asbestos exposure are virtually untreatable, as of now. While official figures of asbestos-related deaths are unavailable, estimates suggest that death rates in the US could reach 500,000 in 2020.

Maintenance and service personnel face serious risks of asbestos exposure while dealing with gaskets. Of course, the size and composition of the gasket, its general condition of wear and tear, and the extent to which it is adhered, determine the level of risk. If gaskets are damaged or adhere very tightly to the flange or valve, their potential to release fibers goes up considerably.

While maintenance personnel have strict work requirements for gasket removal, some of these rules are not feasible. Workers who are unaware of the extent of risk often ignore these regulations.

Managing asbestos risk correctly is one of the ways in which you can combat the problem. Knowing your rights, and forcing legal action to find justice, is another way of stopping the asbestos menace. For more information contact an asbestos attorney near you, using the attorney referral form at the bottom of this page.