Mesothelioma

Author: U.S. Govt.

Asbestos was mined and used commercially in North America beginning in the

late 1800s. Its use increased greatly during World WarII. Since then, it

has been used in many industries. For example, thebui lding and construction

industry has used it for strengthening cementand plastics as well as for

insulation, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industry

has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steampipes, and hot water pipes. The

automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brakeshoes and clutch pads.

More

than 5,000 products contain or have contained asbestos. Some of them are

listed below:

• Asbestos cement sheet and pipe products used for water supply and sewage

  piping, roofing and siding, casings for electrical wires, fire protection

  material, electrical switchboards and components, and residential and industrial

  building materials;

• Friction products, such as clutch facings, brake linings for automobiles,

  gaskets, and industrial friction materials;

  ....[MORE]