Heat Guns

Used by hobbyists to construct model airplanes and cars, heat guns are a very useful tool. Certain brands of heat guns, however, contained an asbestos-containing heat shield that emitted asbestos fibers when heated.

In fact, in April of 1980, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled all heat guns manufactured by Top Flite Models, Inc., based in Chicago, Illinois. The "T/F Monokote" model was manufactured from June 1974 and December 1977 and sold for about $23.

Following the recall, Top Flite Models, Inc. offered to replace the asbestos heat shields with safer mica liners at no cost to the consumer.

Heat guns manufactured since the institution of asbestos usage laws in the eighties no longer contain asbestos heat shields. The majority contain a mica liner similar to those used by Top Flite Models, Inc.

Asbestos was used for centuries in the manufacture of various products due to its ability to withstand high heat. The health dangers of asbestos exposure were not recognized until the twentieth century. Exposure to this carcinogenic mineral may lead to the development of asbestosis, asthma, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer.

Those who use heat guns should consult the manufacturer if they are concerned about the possibility of asbestos within the gun.

Last modified: December 09 2009.