According to the Greeks, asbestos was a ‘magic’ mineral and the term asbestos means inextinguishable. This in itself is a pointer to the incredible heat-resistant properties of asbestos. The subsequent popularity of asbestos in the chemical and construction industry bears witness to this property of asbestos.

One of the most important historical uses of asbestos was in thermal insulation in tanks, boilers, and pipes. These insulation pipes had two purposes: on the one hand, they prevent heat loss due to conduction. On the other hand, they kept the chances of an outbreak of fire to the minimum.

Different companies manufactured their thermal pipe insulation in different ways. The most common procedures included combination of asbestos with other binding materials. Sometimes, asbestos fibers were mixed with carbonates of magnesia, or alternating sheets of corrugated and plain sheets of asbestos were cemented together.

In their earliest forms, pipes were covered with flexible millboard and then a thick layer of felt covered it. This entire insulation was then put into an oil canvas which was banded with metal. Asbestos pipe insulation was generally available in the form of half sections. Fully formed sections could be used only when the insulation was flexible and could be slipped over the pipes.

Thermal insulation pipes containing asbestos are still a common sight in many of the older buildings, factories, and laboratories. In some cases, the insulation is in a relatively good condition. Thermal insulation pipes that show no signs of damage or wear are not a source of worry because the asbestos material is contained within its metal casing.

However, a large majority of old insulation is frayed with age. Subsequent maintenance work carried out on the pipes, and other activities, release a lot of dust. Houses usually have insulation pipes in the attic, where released dust collects in thick layers. This dust could get into your living space if you are not extremely careful.

Asbestos exposure can lead to a number of deadly diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These diseases are almost untreatable, as of today. These are just some of the reasons for you to find out if you are at risk. If you suspect exposure, contact an asbestos law firm using the form at the bottom of this page.