More than 8,000 products contained asbestos during peak usage from the 1930s through 1980s, exposing millions of American workers to this deadly carcinogen [1]. Identifying the specific products you worked with is essential for mesothelioma legal claims because each manufacturer's product may qualify you for separate compensation from bankruptcy trusts holding over $30 billion combined [4].
Executive Summary
Asbestos was incorporated into thousands of products across construction, industrial, automotive, and consumer categories before regulations restricted its use [1]. For mesothelioma patients pursuing legal compensation, identifying specific products is critical because each identified product may connect to a different manufacturer's bankruptcy trust, potentially adding tens of thousands of dollars per trust to total recovery [4]. The asbestos products database catalogs products by manufacturer, type, and era of use. Construction workers, shipyard workers, industrial tradespeople, and others who worked with these materials face elevated mesothelioma risk—often 10-40 times higher than the general population [5]. Proper documentation of product exposure strengthens both lawsuit claims and trust fund filings.
10 Key Facts About Asbestos Products
- Total Products: Over 8,000 products contained asbestos [1]
- Peak Usage Period: 1930s-1980s in United States [3]
- Product Categories: Construction, industrial, automotive, consumer, military
- Major Manufacturers: 100+ companies with bankruptcy trusts [4]
- Trust Fund Assets: $30+ billion available for victims [4]
- Most Common Product: Thermal insulation (pipe, boiler, equipment)
- Worker Exposure: Estimated 27 million Americans exposed [5]
- Current Restrictions: EPA banned most uses in 2024 [1]
- Testing Required: Only lab analysis definitively confirms asbestos content
- Documentation Benefit: Each product ID may qualify for separate trust claim
What Products Contained Asbestos?
Asbestos was valued for its heat resistance, durability, and low cost, leading to incorporation in products across virtually every industry [1]. Understanding product categories helps identify your exposure sources.
Products containing asbestos across all industries
Construction Materials
Construction was the largest market for asbestos products, exposing millions of tradespeople [3]:
- Insulation: Pipe covering, boiler insulation, duct wrap, spray-on fireproofing
- Flooring: 9x9 inch vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring, mastic adhesives
- Roofing: Shingles, rolled roofing, roof coatings, flashing cement
- Siding: Cement board siding, shingles, transite panels
- Drywall: Joint compound, texture coatings, plaster, patching materials
- Ceiling materials: Acoustic tiles, popcorn ceilings, suspended ceiling panels
- Cement products: Pipes, boards, corrugated sheets
The occupational exposure guide details construction industry risks.
Industrial and Mechanical Products
Industrial facilities relied heavily on asbestos for equipment protection:
- Gaskets and packing: Flange gaskets, valve packing, pump seals
- Boiler components: Insulation, baffles, door gaskets, refractory cement
- Turbine insulation: High-temperature wrapping, thermal barriers
- Electrical components: Panel partitions, arc shields, wire insulation
- Welding supplies: Blankets, curtains, rod coatings
- Friction materials: Industrial brakes, clutches, conveyor components
Automotive Products
Mechanics and auto workers faced significant exposure:
- Brake systems: Brake pads, brake shoes, brake drums
- Clutch components: Clutch facings, clutch discs
- Gaskets: Head gaskets, exhaust gaskets, transmission gaskets
- Hood liners: Thermal insulation under hoods
- Undercoating: Sound-deadening and rust-prevention coatings
Shipbuilding and Maritime Products
Navy and commercial shipyards were among the most dangerous asbestos environments:
- Pipe insulation: Throughout ship engine rooms and mechanical spaces
- Boiler room materials: Lagging, gaskets, refractory cement
- Fireproofing: Bulkhead insulation, deck covering
- Electrical insulation: Cable wrapping, switchboard panels
The shipyard exposure index documents specific ship types and exposure patterns.
"These are hardworking people who were simply working to support their families—they deserve justice. When I work with pipefitters, insulators, or construction workers, I help them remember specific products they used. That brand name on the insulation bag or the gasket packaging can mean the difference between qualifying for one trust fund or ten."
— Yvette Abrego, Senior Client Manager, Danziger & De Llano
Who Were the Major Asbestos Product Manufacturers?
Understanding which companies made asbestos products helps connect your exposure to specific bankruptcy trusts [4].
Johns-Manville
The largest asbestos company, Johns-Manville produced pipe insulation, building materials, and industrial products from the 1890s through the 1980s. Their trust now holds over $2.5 billion.
Products included:
- Thermafiber pipe insulation
- Superex block insulation
- Transite cement pipes and boards
- Brake linings and clutch facings
Owens Corning / Fibreboard
Major insulation manufacturer with extensive product lines:
- Kaylo pipe insulation
- Fiberglass insulation (later products)
- Pabco roofing products
- Fibreboard ceiling tiles
W.R. Grace
Known for Zonolite vermiculite insulation from Libby, Montana—a particularly hazardous product contaminated with tremolite asbestos:
- Zonolite attic insulation
- Monokote spray-on fireproofing
- Vermiculite loose-fill products
Other Major Manufacturers
| Manufacturer | Primary Products | Trust Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Corning | Unarco insulation, foam glass | Active trust |
| GAF Corporation | Roofing, flooring | Active trust |
| Celotex | Ceiling tiles, insulation | Active trust |
| Eagle-Picher | Industrial insulation | Active trust |
| Garlock | Gaskets, packing | Active trust |
| Babcock & Wilcox | Boiler components | Active trust |
| Armstrong World | Floor tiles, ceiling tiles | Active trust |
The asbestos manufacturers guide provides comprehensive company information.
How Do I Identify Asbestos Products I Was Exposed To?
Identifying specific products strengthens legal claims. Use these methods to document your exposure history:
Work History Review
Start by documenting your complete employment history:
- Employer names and dates: W-2s, tax records, Social Security records
- Job titles and duties: What materials did you work with?
- Work locations: Building names, addresses, site descriptions
- Trade or craft: Specific tasks involving potential asbestos materials
- Co-workers: Names of colleagues who can verify conditions
Product Identification Clues
Think about specific details that identify products:
- Packaging: What did bags, boxes, or containers look like?
- Labels and markings: Any brand names or manufacturer logos?
- Product appearance: Color, texture, form (blocks, wrap, spray)
- Installation method: How was the product applied?
- Location on job site: Boiler room, pipe runs, walls, ceilings?
Time Period Indicators
When materials were installed helps narrow identification:
- Pre-1980 construction: High likelihood of asbestos in multiple materials
- 1980-1990: Transitional period; some asbestos, some substitutes
- Post-1990: Most asbestos banned, but legacy products remain in place
"I come from a blue-collar family, so I understand how these products were used on job sites. When clients tell me they 'mixed mud' or 'wrapped pipes,' I know exactly what products were likely involved. Those memories of product brands and packaging are worth pursuing—they directly translate to additional compensation."
— Yvette Abrego, Senior Client Manager, Danziger & De Llano
Why Does Product Identification Matter for Legal Claims?
Identifying specific asbestos products has direct financial impact on mesothelioma compensation [4].
Number of trust fund claims the average mesothelioma patient qualifies for
Trust Fund Claims
Each identified product may qualify you for a separate bankruptcy trust fund claim:
- Average patients qualify for 10-20 trust claims
- Individual trust payments range from $5,000 to $100,000+
- Combined trust fund recovery often totals $180,000-$400,000
- More identified products = more qualifying trusts
Lawsuit Claims
Product identification strengthens lawsuits against solvent defendants:
- Specific products establish defendant liability
- Product history demonstrates corporate knowledge of dangers
- More defendants generally means higher total settlement
Documentation Requirements
Trusts require evidence connecting you to their products [4]:
- Exposure affidavit: Sworn statement describing product use
- Site documentation: Evidence the product was used at your work locations
- Employment records: Proof you worked where exposure occurred
- Witness statements: Co-workers confirming exposure conditions
The trust fund filing guidance details documentation requirements.
What Are the Most Dangerous Asbestos Products?
Some products posed greater exposure risk due to their friability—how easily fibers become airborne [5].
High-Risk Products
- Spray-on insulation: Extremely friable; major hazard during application and removal
- Pipe insulation: Cutting, fitting, and removal released high fiber concentrations
- Boiler insulation: High temperatures caused fiber release during maintenance
- Joint compound: Sanding released significant airborne fibers
- Zonolite insulation: Tremolite-contaminated vermiculite particularly hazardous
Moderate-Risk Products
- Floor tiles: Intact tiles low risk; cutting or removal increases exposure
- Cement products: Generally stable unless cut, drilled, or broken
- Roofing materials: Weather damage can release fibers over time
Occupations with Highest Product Exposure
| Occupation | Primary Exposure Products | Risk Multiple |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation workers | Pipe insulation, spray-on, blocks | 46x average |
| Pipefitters | Pipe insulation, gaskets, packing | 20-30x average |
| Boilermakers | Boiler insulation, refractory cement | 15-25x average |
| Shipyard workers | Multiple products throughout vessels | 10-20x average |
| Drywall/Taping | Joint compound, texture coatings | 10-15x average |
The insulation workers guide provides detailed occupation-specific information.
How Do Attorneys Use Product Databases?
Mesothelioma attorneys maintain proprietary databases linking products, manufacturers, work sites, and time periods [4].
Database Components
- Product identification: 8,000+ products with manufacturer information
- Site histories: What products were used at specific locations
- Company records: Internal documents showing corporate knowledge
- Trust requirements: Documentation needed for each trust claim
Investigation Process
Attorneys use databases combined with client interviews to:
- Document complete work history and job duties
- Identify products likely present at each work site
- Match products to specific manufacturers
- Determine applicable trust funds and lawsuit defendants
- Gather documentation supporting each claim
Frequently Asked Questions
How many products contained asbestos?
Over 8,000 products contained asbestos across construction, industrial, automotive, and consumer categories. From the 1930s through 1980s, manufacturers added asbestos to insulation, floor tiles, brake pads, roofing materials, gaskets, cement products, textiles, and thousands of other items for heat resistance, durability, and fire protection. Peak usage occurred in the 1960s-1970s before regulations began restricting asbestos.
What are the most common asbestos-containing products?
The most common products include: pipe and boiler insulation (by far the most exposure cases), 9x9 inch vinyl floor tiles, asbestos-cement roofing and siding, brake pads and clutch facings, joint compound and texture coatings, ceiling tiles and popcorn ceilings, gaskets and packing materials, electrical panel partitions, and Zonolite brand vermiculite insulation.
How do I identify if a product contained asbestos?
Identification methods include: checking installation dates (pre-1980 materials are suspect), noting manufacturer names from packaging or labels, identifying product type and application, reviewing job site records and specifications, and consulting product databases maintained by mesothelioma attorneys. Only laboratory testing can definitively confirm asbestos content. Never disturb suspected materials—hire certified professionals for testing and removal.
Why does identifying asbestos products matter for legal claims?
Each identified product connects your exposure to a specific manufacturer, potentially qualifying you for that company's bankruptcy trust or lawsuit settlement. The average mesothelioma patient qualifies for 10-20 different trust fund claims. Combined trust recovery typically totals $180,000-$400,000. Thorough product identification directly increases total compensation.
Which companies made the most asbestos products?
Major manufacturers included Johns-Manville (insulation, cement products—largest trust at $2.5+ billion), Owens Corning/Fibreboard (Kaylo insulation), W.R. Grace (Zonolite, Monokote), GAF Corporation (roofing, flooring), Celotex (ceiling tiles), Eagle-Picher (industrial insulation), Garlock (gaskets), Pittsburgh Corning (Unarco insulation), Armstrong World (flooring, ceilings), and dozens of other companies now represented by active bankruptcy trusts.
Can I still file claims for products made by bankrupt companies?
Yes. When asbestos companies filed bankruptcy, courts required them to establish trust funds specifically to compensate future victims. Over 60 trusts holding $30+ billion remain active and paying claims. Your documented exposure to specific products qualifies you for claims against those manufacturers' trusts, regardless of when the company went bankrupt or whether it still exists as an operating business.
Next Steps: Documenting Your Exposure
If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, identifying the asbestos products you worked with is essential for maximizing your compensation. Start documenting your work history now, including employer names, job duties, and any product brands you remember.
Our experienced attorneys maintain comprehensive product databases and can help connect your exposure history to all applicable trust funds and defendant companies.
Related Resources
- Asbestos Trust Funds — Complete guide to trust fund compensation
- Veterans Benefits — Military asbestos exposure compensation
- Find Mesothelioma Lawyers — Connect with specialists nationwide
- Free Case Assessment — Evaluate your options
Learn More
- Asbestos Products Database — Comprehensive product listings
- Asbestos Manufacturers — Company information and trust details
- Occupational Exposure — Industry and occupation guides
Sources:
- Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). EPA Asbestos-Containing Materials Database.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2025). OSHA Asbestos Standards and Compliance.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Asbestos Use in American Industry: Historical Analysis.
- RAND Institute for Civil Justice. (2024). Asbestos Trust Fund Product Documentation Requirements.
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2025). Mesothelioma and Occupational Asbestos Exposure.
Last updated: January 8, 2026
About the Author
Yvette AbregoSenior Client Manager with 20 years experience helping industrial workers and their families document asbestos exposure
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