Surprising Products That Have Contained Asbestos Throughout The Years

Surprising Products Containing Asbestos

You are probably already aware many old homes contain asbestos (and that is why our asbestos removal Melbourne professionals work hard at removing asbestos from your home), but it’s also important to keep in mind other items asbestos can been found in. What are some other ways asbestos has been used in the past? Our list of surprising products containing asbestos may shock you!

1. Prop Snow

White asbestos is very reminiscent of snow, so it was commonly used on TV and film sets because of how realistic it looked. Asbestos was inexpensive and highly realistic, making it great for prop productions in film. The Wizard of Oz used industrial-grade chrysotile asbestos for snow, meaning that everyone on set would have inhaled levels similar to that of an asbestos mine. Previous to the use of asbestos for snow, cotton batting was used for fake snow. However, it was highly flammable so white asbestos was recommended.

2. Toothpaste & Medical Supplies

Did you know asbestos was used in toothpaste in the 1950s? Perhaps the most shocking use of the material, it was used for its apparent whitening properties. Equally as concerning, asbestos was used in the medical field after World War II. Surgeons would use asbestos fibres to close-up patient’s wounds, because of its great durability and flexibility.

3. Beauty Products

Asbestos has also been found in makeup and talcum powder. And we aren’t talking about back in the 1950s. It’s been found as recently as 2017. Talcum powder is added to makeup because it gives powder compacts, eye shadows and blushes a soft and silky texture. The issue is that asbestos can occur naturally in talc, meaning they are minerals that form together. Talc mining sites need to be selected carefully in order to prevent asbestos contamination.

4. Children’s Toys

The use of asbestos-contaminated talc has also caused concern in children’s toys. As recent as 2015, contaminated talc was found in children’s toys such as crayons, modelling clays and toy crime scene kits, where the talc served as a binding agent. Although the levels of asbestos were considered insignificant, it’s a scary reminder that asbestos can be in places you would least expect it.

5. Hair Dryers

Asbestos was also a common material used in hair dryers. This is because the heating element inside hair dryers was a fire hazard and asbestos was a cheap, fire-resistant solution. In the late 1970s, many manufacturers agreed to stop using asbestos in the production of hair dryers. However, overseas manufacturers often do not have environmental regulations, meaning foreign-made appliances could still potentially contain asbestos fibres.

6. Kitchen Appliances

If you follow our blog, you have probably realised by now that anything that needed to be flame retardant probably contained asbestos. This includes household appliances such as toasters and irons from before the 1980s. In both appliances, asbestos was used for electrical insulation in the cord and in the heating devices. Those who collect antique appliances need to be aware of the potential presence of asbestos.

7. Books

Do you still have Grandpa’s copy of “Fahrenheit 451”? Well, it was most likely bound with asbestos, so it could never be burned. In fact, it is suspected that many early editions were bound with asbestos. Something to keep in mind if you have a large book collection at home!

At A&B Asrem, we provide professional asbestos removal services in Melbourne and its surrounding areas such as McKinnon, Bentleigh, Caulfield and Carnegie. At A&B Asrem we are fully licensed and are able to conduct asbestos testing, inspection and removal in a safe and timely manner. Asbestos is a highly dangerous material, so contact us today if you even suspect that you may have asbestos in your home.