Asbestos has valuable properties in terms of thermal, acoustic and electrical insulation. These properties are used in a wide variety of applications in factories, schools, homes, and on ships. However, due to its harmful effects on one’s health (if the material begins to deteriorate releasing asbestos particles into the air) there is now a move away from using asbestos.

Asbestos Insulation in Homes

Asbestos containing materials were widely used in homes, right from asbestos cement through to asbestos ironing board covers. Asbestos also had various other insulating uses in the home such as, asbestos insulation for electrical wires, asbestos insulating cement(which often helped to reduce energy costs in the home), pipe insulation, and ceiling insulation.

Asbestos Insulation in Schools

Asbestos insulation was also used in schools. Thermal asbestos insulation was used in schools, particularly in the colder states. Acoustic asbestos insulation was also used more often in schools than in homes. Apart from this, asbestos insulation was used in schools in many of the same ways that it would be used in homes, for instance electrical insulation, pipe insulation, etc.

Asbestos Insulation and Factories

Not only were workers in an insulation factory that used asbestos at high risk of exposure to asbestos fibers, but workers in various other factories were also at risk if asbestos insulation was used there. A popular use was for thermal insulation around boilers, steam, and hot water pipes.

Asbestos Insulation on Ships

Asbestos insulation around pipes and boilers on ships was common, especially between the years 1930 until about 1970. Those working on the ships were often exposed to asbestos, thus resulting in cases of Mesothelioma.

Asbestos Insulation Today

Although asbestos insulation is still used in some places, it is becoming increasingly unpopular, with governments also trying to phase out the use of asbestos containing materials. The reason for this is that when asbestos containing materials (such as asbestos insulation) are disturbed, damaged, or worn, they release tiny asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers greatly increase the risk of contracting Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disorders for those who come into contact with it.

Although asbestos insulation was widely used before 1980, the dangers of doing so are now becoming an increasing concern. Asbestos insulation was used in homes, schools, factories, and on ships. But today, there is a move to phase out all asbestos containing materials and try to replace them with safer materials.