Common Asbestos Products in Schools
Posted on: September 30, 2024Acoustic panels: Often used in classrooms and auditoriums, these panels helped reduce noise but contained asbestos fibers to enhance fire resistance.
Asbestos cloth: This durable, heat-resistant fabric was used in various applications, including fire curtains and protective clothing in school labs.
Asbestos boards: These boards were commonly used for fireproofing and insulation in walls and ceilings, posing a risk if damaged or deteriorated.
Asbestos sprays: Used for fireproofing and insulating structures, asbestos sprays could be found on beams, ceilings, and walls, potentially releasing fibers into the air.
Asbestos tiles (floor, wall, and ceiling): Widely used for their durability and fire resistance, these tiles were prevalent in schools’ flooring, walls, and ceilings.
Boilers: School boilers often contained asbestos insulation to prevent heat loss and protect against fire, posing a risk during maintenance or removal.
Duct adhesive: This adhesive, used to seal ductwork joints, often contained asbestos to enhance its heat-resistant properties.
Duct insulation: Insulating materials around heating and cooling ducts often contained asbestos to prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
Fireproofing materials: Various fireproofing materials, including spray coatings and insulating boards, contained asbestos to improve fire resistance in school buildings.
Gaskets: Asbestos gaskets were used in heating and cooling systems, as well as plumbing, to prevent leaks and withstand high temperatures.
Heating ducts and systems: Insulation around heating ducts and systems often included asbestos to retain heat and provide fire resistance.
Laboratory equipment: Some lab equipment, such as Bunsen burner mats and protective gloves, contained asbestos to withstand high temperatures and chemical exposure.
Popcorn ceilings: This decorative ceiling treatment, common in schools, contained asbestos to provide texture and fire resistance but can release fibers if disturbed.
Sheetrock: Asbestos was sometimes added to sheetrock and joint compound to improve fire resistance and durability in school construction.
School supplies, such as crayons: Some crayons and art supplies used asbestos-containing talc, which could pose a risk if inhaled.
Wiring insulation: Electrical wiring in schools often used asbestos insulation to prevent fires and protect the wiring from heat damage.