01. Asbestos Use
Why Was Asbestos Used in Adhesives?
For decades, companies added asbestos to construction adhesives. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that companies used to make materials stronger. It made adhesives, glues and mastics durable and heat resistant.
Asbestos Adhesives History at a Glance
- Other Names: Black mastic, boiler caulking, bonding, construction mastic, cutback adhesive, dry powder mix, glue, heavy-duty adhesive, sealant
- Years of Manufacture: Early 1900s – Present
- Military Use: Air Force, Army, Marines, Merchant Marines, Navy
- Places Used: Aircraft and airplanes, ceiling tiles, roofing materials, ships, vinyl sheet flooring, vinyl tiles
- Asbestos Use Banned: Chrysotile asbestos was banned for new uses in 2024, but some old adhesives may still contain asbestos
- Noteworthy Brands: American Olean Tile Company, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M), National Gypsum Company
02. Product List
List of Asbestos Adhesives
Companies have manufactured many different asbestos adhesives in the past. Some of these products consisted of up to 25% asbestos fibers. Construction adhesives were used as glues, sealants and waterproofing materials.
Construction workers used these adhesives in many different projects. They used them on roofs, vinyl floors and other areas when building homes and structures.
Older buildings and homes may still contain asbestos adhesives. The construction industry used many different adhesives that may contain asbestos, including:
- Adhesive
- Black mastic
- Caulking
- Dry powder mix
- Fibrous adhesive
- Joint compound
- Mastic
- Mortar
- Putty
- Sealer
- Spackling
- Tape
Asbestos adhesives were once considered safe by the general public. For many years, asbestos companies knew the health risks of asbestos. But they continued to use the mineral in their adhesives and other asbestos products.
Asbestos adhesives pose health risks once they become worn or damaged. Damaged products can release asbestos fibers. Once disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and be inhaled. Asbestos exposure may lead to asbestos diseases like mesothelioma.
What Is Black Asbestos Mastic?
Black mastic is a type of adhesive often used in construction. It is named for its color (black) and its glue-like property (mastic). Some older black mastic was made with an asphalt base, which gave the adhesive its color. Asbestos was also included in some black mastic.
Builders used black mastic in many different ways. For example, they sometimes used the adhesive to glue down vinyl and other resilient flooring. Builders also used it for ducts, pipes, tile and roofing.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the use of asbestos in new applications in 1989. However, the lack of a full ban allowed companies already manufacturing black asbestos mastic to continue making the adhesive. Some sources indicate U.S. manufacturers stopped producing it in 1996 and stopped selling it in 1997.
It is important for anyone remodeling homes built before 2000 to have flooring adhesives tested for asbestos. Only trained and licensed asbestos abatement professionals should test and remove black asbestos mastic.
03. Exposure Risks
Who Is at Risk of Asbestos Exposure From Adhesives?
Workers from many industries have used asbestos adhesives. Common industries that use these glues include construction, HVAC, shipbuilding and automotive. Any worker who made or used these adhesives may be at risk of occupational asbestos exposure.
Construction projects, renovations and demolitions can release asbestos fibers. Anyone doing one of these projects may risk exposure if the asbestos becomes airborne. Inhaling asbestos fibers may lead to serious illnesses like lung cancer and mesothelioma.
04. Lawsuits
Asbestos Lawsuits, Settlements & Other Compensation
Anyone who develops an illness after using asbestos adhesives may be eligible for compensation. Some people may choose to file mesothelioma lawsuits. Other potential compensation options include:
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help people find the best legal option. These lawyers file lawsuits and negotiate settlements on behalf of asbestos-exposure victims. They have resources available to identify asbestos products and companies that manufactured them.
Compensation Following Exposure From Asbestos Adhesives
People exposed to asbestos construction adhesives have received compensation through lawsuits and settlements. For example, a former construction company owner filed a successful lawsuit against several companies after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2011.
The man owned a construction business from 1964 to 1994. He often visited residential construction sites when workers were sanding drywall joints. As a result, he frequently encountered asbestos dust released from the joint compound.
A jury awarded him and his wife $48 million. Jury awards can help patients pay for mesothelioma-related medical expenses.
In some cases, patients may be able to secure mesothelioma settlements instead of jury awards. Like a jury award, a settlement can help cover treatment and other related costs. Individuals exposed to asbestos adhesives can speak to a mesothelioma law firm. The law firm can help weigh the benefits of potential compensation options.
05. Removal Safety
Safely Removing Asbestos Adhesives
Asbestos professionals should handle any removal of asbestos adhesives or mastic. Though the asbestos fibers may be “locked in” by adhesive, removing or breaking up the adhesive could release them. Professionals have the training and equipment to do this safely.
According to experts, removing and disposing of asbestos adhesives is an involved process. For example, some adhesives should be removed by wet-scraping. This method requires spraying the asbestos adhesive with a mixture of water and detergent.
Companies made many adhesive products with asbestos. Some may still be in homes and other buildings. Anyone living in a building constructed before the 1990s should consider getting a professional inspection before starting a remodeling project.
Records show some black asbestos mastic was still sold in 1997. Flooring contractors may request an inspection before removing vinyl floors installed before 2000. If the mastic does have asbestos, the contractors may recommend having an abatement professional remove the asbestos product. They may also suggest encapsulating it. This can keep the asbestos protected from wear and damage.
Because of the risks and costs associated with removing asbestos safely, it is best left to professionals.
06. Common Questions
Common Questions About Asbestos Adhesives
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Is it safe to walk on black mastic?
- Black mastic that is safely covered or encapsulated is often considered safe. It may become dangerous when it is exposed and can be damaged. Walking on exposed black mastic is not safe. People should also not sand or grind black mastic as this can release asbestos fibers into the air.
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What does asbestos carpet glue look like?
- There is no way to tell if carpet glue has asbestos by looking at it. Carpet glue or mastic is often yellow, tan, brown or black. It is often smooth but may have grooves from a trowel. But these are not features unique to asbestos adhesives. Testing the dried glue is the only way to verify if it has asbestos.
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When did they stop using asbestos in adhesives?
- The EPA issued a final rule in 1989 banning new uses of asbestos. However, companies that produced some asbestos-containing products could still manufacture and sell the product. Manufacturing of black mastic with asbestos stopped in 1996, and sales stopped in 1997.
