Asbestos in Electrical Components
For much of the twentieth century, asbestos was used in literally thousands of different types of products, many of which are just now being rediscovered.
One such use was as an insulator in electrical components. With its high tensile strength, durability and almost miraculous ability to resist heat and electrical currents, asbestos was the natural choice for electrical components. It was included as a binder in cement electrical box components, wrapped around wire for insulation, and used for cement shielding panels.
While asbestos seemed at the time to be crucial for protecting the health and safety of the workers using the products, in reality it was anything but.
Countless workers, including electricians, laborers and builders were exposed to the dangerous asbestos dust when it was built and installed, and many homeowners and workers continue to be at risk for developing a number of serious illnesses when they are unknowingly exposed to the asbestos in these old electrical components. Some of the most serious asbestos related diseases include
mesothelioma,
lung cancer, and
asbestosis.
If you suspect that an old electrical component (pre-1980) might contain asbestos, do not try to remove it yourself. Asbestos inspectors skilled in recognizing the many hidden uses for asbestos can help identify the material and refer you to an asbestos abatement specialist.