Asbestos Pads
At one time, it was believed that more than 3,000 household items contained asbestos in varying levels. That’s a frightening statistic! Add to that the number of commercial products that were manufactured using asbestos and it’s easy to understand why the incidence of asbestos-related diseases is higher than ever.
Today, we’re in tune with the dangers of asbestos and asbestos-containing products. However, 50-70 years ago, the use of asbestos was at its peak and little thought was given to handling the dangerous mineral on a daily basis. Futhermore, individuals who worked with asbestos products were totally unaware that – someday – their health might be affected because of their exposure to this material.
Among the many products that contained asbestos were so-called asbestos pads. This term can actually refer to a few different products. For some, an asbestos pad is an automobile brake pad, which – along with clutch linings and facings and gaskets – were fashioned from asbestos because of its excellent fire- and heat-resistant properties. The term might also refer to a potholder-type product which was used to handle hot stovetop items. Similarly, ironing board covers were also made of the hazardous mineral and may also be referred to as asbestos pads.
Regardless, however, of which item you’re referring, the dangers are still the same. These products, when intact and undamaged, presented no problems. However, when they became damaged and the asbestos became friable, toxic fibers would be released and could have been inhaled by those working around the asbestos.
Asbestos brake pads were especially dangerous as the very act of applying the brakes would cause wear and tear on the asbestos. Mechanics whose responsibility it was to perform repairs or replacement on these brake and clutch parts were at an especially high risk of developing diseases such as mesothelioma, an asbestos-caused cancer.
Individuals who used stove-top asbestos pads in their home or business also put themselves at risk for inhaling asbestos, especially when the pads became worn and the asbestos was rendered friable.
Though asbestos pads are no longer manufactured in the U.S., the possibility of danger is still present, especially in old cars or if brakes/clutches manufactured in other countries are used. Furthermore, anyone in the possession of old stove-top or ironing board asbestos pads should discard them immediately.
If you were exposed to asbestos through the use of asbestos pads, it’s essential to monitor your health so that any pulmonary concerns can be caught quickly. If you’ve already been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma, fill out our information request form so that you may receive additional information about your right to legal assistance and monetary compensation.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
