Eight American industries consumed the vast majority of the 31 million metric tons of asbestos the United States used during the 20th century, embedding more than 3,000 asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) into workplaces, homes, and infrastructure nationwide [1][2]. At peak consumption in 1973, the U.S. imported over 803,000 metric tons of the raw mineral in a single year [3]. Construction, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and power generation led the way — and the workers in those industries are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma decades later.
Executive Summary
The construction industry consumed roughly 60% of all asbestos used in America, followed by shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, power generation, chemical and petrochemical processing, steel production, mining, and general manufacturing. Over 3,000 commercially manufactured products contained the mineral, from pipe insulation and floor tiles to brake pads and gaskets. U.S. consumption peaked at 803,000 metric tons in 1973 and declined sharply after the EPA and OSHA imposed regulations in the 1970s and 1980s. Mesothelioma develops 20 to 50 years after exposure, so workers from these industries continue to be diagnosed today. More than 60 manufacturer bankruptcy trusts hold over $30 billion for victims of the fiber. Identifying the specific industry, job site, and ACMs that caused exposure is the foundation of every successful mesothelioma claim.
Metric tons of the mineral consumed by the U.S. at peak usage in 1973
Commercial products that contained the fiber across 8 major industries
American workers still at risk from ACMs in existing buildings (OSHA)
Available in manufacturer bankruptcy trust funds for exposed workers
What Are the Key Facts About Asbestos Use Across American Industries?
- Peak consumption: U.S. asbestos use peaked at 803,000 metric tons in 1973, with construction alone accounting for roughly 60% [3]
- Product count: Over 3,000 products contained the mineral, spanning insulation, friction materials, cement products, gaskets, textiles, and roofing [2]
- Construction dominance: Floor tiles, pipe insulation, roofing, cement siding, fireproofing, and joint compound made construction the largest single consumer [1]
- Shipbuilding reliance: The U.S. Navy specified ACM insulation in all ship construction from the 1930s through the 1970s; over 300 contaminated products were standard on naval vessels [9]
- Automotive exposure: Brake pads, clutch facings, and gaskets exposed mechanics to 1–25 fibers per cubic centimeter when cleaned with compressed air [7]
- Power plant exposure: Turbine insulation, boiler gaskets, and pipe lagging exposed utility workers to 2–50+ fibers per cubic centimeter during maintenance outages [7]
- Highest-risk workers: Insulation workers had a 46x higher mesothelioma mortality rate than the general population [4]
- Latency period: Mesothelioma develops 20–50 years after first exposure to the fiber, meaning workers from peak-use decades are being diagnosed now [5]
- Current risk: OSHA estimates 1.3 million construction and general industry workers remain exposed to legacy ACMs in existing buildings [1]
- Trust fund compensation: Workers exposed to these toxic materials can file claims against 60+ manufacturer trust funds holding over $30 billion [13]
Which Industries Consumed the Most Asbestos in America?
The United States was the world's largest consumer of the mineral for most of the 20th century. Between 1900 and 2003, the country consumed approximately 31 million metric tons [3]. Eight industries accounted for the overwhelming majority of that consumption, each relying on the fiber for its heat resistance, tensile strength, and chemical durability.
The occupational exposure index documents the full range of at-risk industries and job titles. Below is a breakdown of the eight industries ranked by approximate asbestos consumption volume.
"When families come to us after a mesothelioma diagnosis, one of the first things we do is reconstruct the worker's complete employment history — every job site, every trade, every product they touched. Most workers were exposed across multiple industries over a career, and each exposure point is a potential source of compensation."
— Yvette Abrego, Senior Client Manager, Danziger & De Llano
What Asbestos Products Were Used in the Construction Industry?
Construction consumed approximately 60% of all asbestos used in the United States [2]. From the 1930s through the 1980s, the mineral was a standard ingredient in insulation, fireproofing, flooring, roofing, and structural materials. OSHA estimates that 1.3 million construction workers remain at risk from ACMs in existing buildings [1].
Common construction products containing the mineral
- Pipe insulation: Chrysotile and amosite wraps manufactured by Johns-Manville, Owens-Illinois (Kaylo), and Standard Asbestos (Thermobestos), used on steam and water pipes in virtually every commercial building
- Spray-applied fireproofing: W.R. Grace Mono-Kote (1958–1973) contained chrysotile and amosite; applied to structural steel in high-rises and commercial buildings across the country
- Floor tiles: 9-by-9-inch vinyl asbestos tiles (VAT) are the most recognizable ACM building product; manufactured by Armstrong, Congoleum, and GAF
- Joint compound: National Gypsum Gold Bond and other brands contained chrysotile through 1975; sanding dried compound released concentrated airborne fibers
- Transite cement board: Johns-Manville manufactured chrysotile-reinforced cement board for siding, roofing, pipes, and ductwork from 1929 through the 1980s
- Roofing materials: Fiber-reinforced shingles, felt, and built-up roofing membranes from GAF, CertainTeed, and Eternit
- Vermiculite insulation: W.R. Grace Zonolite, sourced from the tremolite-contaminated Libby, Montana mine, was poured into attics and walls of an estimated 35 million American homes
"Construction workers are the largest group we represent, and the exposure patterns are always layered. A plumber who sweated copper pipes next to an insulator tearing out Kaylo block was breathing the same mineral fibers — but the plumber often didn't know it. Bystander exposure in construction is just as legally actionable as direct handling."
— Yvette Abrego, Senior Client Manager, Danziger & De Llano
Insulation workers had the highest occupational mesothelioma risk of any trade — a mortality rate 46 times the general population [4]. Pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, drywall finishers, roofers, and demolition crews all encountered different subsets of these products daily.
How Did the Shipbuilding and Maritime Industry Use Asbestos?
Shipbuilding was the second most asbestos-intensive industry. The U.S. Navy required ACM insulation in all warship construction from the 1930s through the 1970s because the substance could withstand the extreme heat of boiler rooms, engine spaces, and steam systems [9]. Over 300 contaminated products were standard aboard naval vessels, from pipe insulation and gaskets to deck coverings and bulkhead panels.
At peak production during World War II, shipyard workers at facilities like the Kaiser Shipyards built Liberty and Victory ships surrounded by clouds of toxic dust. Fiber concentrations in confined ship compartments regularly exceeded 10 fibers per cubic centimeter — 100 times the current OSHA permissible exposure limit of 0.1 f/cc [7]. Navy veterans account for approximately 33% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed among U.S. military personnel [9].
Key shipbuilding ACM products
- Pipe and boiler insulation (amosite and chrysotile wraps)
- Turbine lagging and engine room insulation
- Gaskets, packing, and valve seals (Garlock, John Crane)
- Deck tile and flooring adhesives
- Bulkhead panels and fire barriers
- Electrical insulation and cable sheathing
"Shipyard cases are some of the strongest we see because the exposure was so intense and so well-documented. The Navy's own specifications required the mineral in over 300 products aboard every vessel. When a worker can point to military service records and ship construction specs, the proof of exposure is already built into the government's own paperwork."
— Yvette Abrego, Senior Client Manager, Danziger & De Llano
Which Automotive and Transportation Products Contained Asbestos?
The automotive industry relied on the mineral for friction and heat resistance in braking, clutch, and exhaust systems from the 1920s through the 1990s. Brake pads and clutch facings were the highest-volume ACM products in the transportation sector, with Bendix, Raybestos-Manhattan, and Wagner among the largest manufacturers [7].
Auto mechanics faced repeated exposure every time they serviced brakes or clutches. The historical practice of blowing out brake dust with compressed air generated fiber concentrations of 1 to 25 f/cc — up to 250 times the current OSHA limit [7]. OSHA now prohibits compressed air for brake dust removal and requires HEPA-equipped washers or wet wipe methods.
"Mechanics are one of the groups that surprises people the most. They didn't work in factories or on construction sites, but they inhaled toxic dust from brake pads and clutch facings for 30 or 40 years. The exposure was lower per incident but cumulative over a full career — and that cumulative dose is what causes mesothelioma."
— Yvette Abrego, Senior Client Manager, Danziger & De Llano
Automotive products containing the mineral
- Brake pads and linings: Bendix, Raybestos-Manhattan, Wagner (chrysotile-based, 1920s–2000s)
- Clutch facings: Borg-Warner, LuK (chrysotile, through the 1990s)
- Exhaust and manifold gaskets: Multiple manufacturers
- Hood liners and heat shields: Firewall insulation in cars and trucks
- Transmission components: Friction bands and torque converter facings
What Asbestos Products Were Found in Power Plants and Industrial Facilities?
Coal, oil, gas, and nuclear power plants used the mineral extensively in every heat-bearing system. Turbine insulation, pipe lagging, boiler gaskets, and valve packing lined power generation facilities from floor to ceiling. Boilermakers and power plant maintenance workers encountered fiber concentrations of 2 to 50+ f/cc during annual outage maintenance — hundreds of times above safe levels [7].
Key power plant and industrial products
- Boiler insulation blocks: Owens-Illinois Kaylo (10–15% amosite/chrysotile, 1944–1958)
- Spray-applied insulation: Cape Asbestos Limpet (amosite/crocidolite, 1930s–1970s)
- Pipe lagging: Chrysotile and amosite wraps throughout steam distribution systems
- Gaskets and packing: Garlock, John Crane, Flexitallic (chrysotile, early 1900s to present in some imported products)
- Refractory cement: Harbison-Walker products for boiler and furnace linings
- Electrical insulation: Generator and transformer insulation, switchgear arc chutes
Chemical plants and petroleum refineries faced similar exposures. Chemical and petrochemical workers encountered ACMs in reactor vessel insulation, heat exchanger gaskets, and pipe systems carrying corrosive materials at extreme temperatures.
Boilermakers had the second-highest documented mesothelioma case count of any occupation — 112 cases in a study of 1,445 mesothelioma patients [4]. Pipefitters and plumbers ranked first with 187 cases in the same study.
"Power plant and refinery workers often tell us they worked 12-hour shifts inside boiler rooms where you couldn't see the other end of the room through the dust. During annual maintenance shutdowns, they tore out tons of old insulation with nothing more than a paper mask. Those two-week outages produced exposure levels that would be criminal under today's regulations."
— Yvette Abrego, Senior Client Manager, Danziger & De Llano
How Did the Steel and Mining Industries Expose Workers to Asbestos?
Steel mills and foundries used the mineral in furnace linings, protective clothing, ladle linings, and insulation on hot metal transfer systems. Foundry and steel mill workers wore ACM gloves, aprons, and leggings as standard protective equipment — the very gear designed to protect them was itself a source of fiber inhalation.
Mining and quarry workers faced direct exposure to raw ore and naturally occurring mineral fibers in rock formations. The W.R. Grace vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana, contaminated with tremolite, is the most catastrophic example — hundreds of miners and town residents died from asbestos-related disease, and the EPA designated it a Superfund site [8]. Historical fiber concentrations in mining operations ranged from 5 to over 100 f/cc [10].
Which Manufacturers Produced the Most Asbestos-Containing Products?
Dozens of manufacturers profited from these toxic materials for decades, many despite internal evidence of health risks. The occupational exposure quick reference tracks the specific products, manufacturers, and exposure periods relevant to legal claims. The following table documents the most widely used products and their manufacturers.
| Product | Manufacturer | Asbestos Type | Years Produced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transite cement board and pipe | Johns-Manville | Chrysotile | 1929–1980s |
| Kaylo block and pipe insulation | Owens-Illinois / Owens Corning | Amosite/Chrysotile (10–15%) | 1944–1958+ |
| Mono-Kote spray fireproofing | W.R. Grace | Chrysotile/Amosite | 1958–1973 |
| Zonolite vermiculite insulation | W.R. Grace | Tremolite (contaminant) | 1940s–1984 |
| Brake pads and linings | Bendix, Raybestos-Manhattan, Wagner | Chrysotile | 1920s–2000s |
| Gaskets and valve packing | Garlock, John Crane, Flexitallic | Chrysotile | 1900s–present (some) |
| Gold Bond joint compound | National Gypsum | Chrysotile | 1940s–1975 |
| Limpet sprayed insulation | Cape Asbestos / Cape Industries | Amosite/Crocidolite | 1930s–1970s |
| Cement pipe and roofing | Eternit, CertainTeed, GAF | Chrysotile | 1930s–1980s |
| Thermobestos pipe insulation | Standard Asbestos Mfg. | Chrysotile | 1920s–1970s |
Many of these manufacturers knew about the health risks of their products for decades before they stopped production. Internal documents from Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, and others revealed that corporate leadership understood the link between the fiber and fatal lung disease as early as the 1930s [6]. This evidence of concealment is central to mesothelioma litigation and has driven billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.
"The product identification step is where cases are won or lost. When we can match a worker's exposure to a specific manufacturer's product — Kaylo insulation, Mono-Kote fireproofing, Raybestos brake pads — we connect them to the trust fund or defendant responsible. Workers who handled ACMs from five different manufacturers can file five separate claims."
— Yvette Abrego, Senior Client Manager, Danziger & De Llano
How Does Identifying Your Industry and Asbestos Exposure Affect a Legal Claim?
Every mesothelioma compensation claim — whether a lawsuit, trust fund filing, or VA disability application — requires documentation of when, where, and how the worker was exposed. The industry and specific products define the legal strategy [13].
Why industry identification matters
- Manufacturer liability: Each ACM traces back to a manufacturer. Workers file claims against the companies that made the products they handled, not their employers.
- Trust fund access: Over 60 bankrupt manufacturers have established trust funds holding more than $30 billion. Identifying specific products unlocks access to multiple trusts.
- Multiple claim sources: A pipefitter who worked in construction and shipbuilding may have been exposed to Johns-Manville insulation, Garlock gaskets, and Owens Corning products — three separate manufacturers, three separate potential claims.
- Veterans benefits: Military personnel exposed during service can file VA disability claims. The VA recognizes asbestos exposure as a service-connected condition for veterans who served on ships, in shipyards, or at military installations built with these materials [9].
Experienced mesothelioma attorneys maintain databases of ACMs used at thousands of job sites. They combine these databases with employment records, union membership, Social Security earnings history, and co-worker testimony to build a complete exposure profile.
"Every industry has its own set of hazardous products, and every product traces back to a manufacturer. A steelworker's claim looks completely different from an electrician's claim — different materials, different defendants, different trusts. That's why we build the exposure history product by product. The more ACMs we identify, the more sources of compensation we can pursue."
— Yvette Abrego, Senior Client Manager, Danziger & De Llano
What Should Workers From These Industries Do After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?
Workers from any of the eight industries listed above who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma should take three immediate steps toward compensation:
- Document your work history: Write down every employer, job title, job site, and time period — even temporary or short-term positions. Include the names of products and materials you handled.
- Consult a mesothelioma attorney: A firm experienced in this litigation can identify the manufacturers responsible for your exposure and determine which trust funds and legal claims apply to your case.
- Take the free case assessment: The free case assessment takes minutes and connects you with attorneys who specialize in your specific industry and exposure type.
Statutes of limitations vary by state, and trust fund payment percentages can change over time. Acting quickly protects your legal rights and maximizes the compensation available to you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which industry used the most asbestos in the United States?
The construction industry consumed approximately 60% of all asbestos used in America. From the 1930s through the 1980s, the mineral was added to more than 3,000 building products including insulation, floor tiles, roofing materials, cement siding, joint compound, and fireproofing. OSHA estimates that 1.3 million construction workers remain at risk from ACMs in existing buildings constructed before 1980 [1].
How many products contained asbestos?
Over 3,000 commercially manufactured products contained the mineral, spanning construction materials, automotive parts, industrial equipment, marine components, and consumer goods [2]. Common examples include pipe insulation, brake pads, floor tiles, boiler gaskets, roofing shingles, and cement pipe. Major manufacturers included Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, W.R. Grace, Raybestos-Manhattan, and Garlock.
What are the most dangerous asbestos-containing products?
Friable ACMs — those that crumble easily and release airborne fibers — posed the greatest danger. Spray-applied fireproofing, pipe insulation, boiler insulation, and loose-fill vermiculite insulation were among the most hazardous because they released fibers during routine handling, maintenance, and removal. Workers who cut, sanded, or disturbed these products inhaled fiber concentrations 10 to 1,000 times above current safety limits [7].
Can workers still be exposed to asbestos in these industries today?
Yes. While new uses are largely banned under the EPA's 2024 final rule prohibiting ongoing chrysotile uses, the mineral remains in millions of existing buildings, ships, vehicles, and industrial facilities built before 1980 [8]. Construction workers, maintenance crews, and demolition teams disturb these legacy materials during renovation and repair work.
How does knowing which industry and products caused my exposure help a legal claim?
Identifying the specific industry, job site, and ACMs connects your exposure to the manufacturers responsible. Each manufacturer's products are tracked in litigation databases, and many bankrupt manufacturers have established trust funds holding over $30 billion for victims [13]. Workers who can document exposure to multiple manufacturers' products can file multiple claims and maximize their total compensation.
Which asbestos manufacturers have trust funds for workers?
More than 60 manufacturers of the mineral have established bankruptcy trust funds. Major trusts include Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, W.R. Grace, and USG Corporation. Workers exposed to products from these and other manufacturers can file trust fund claims alongside lawsuits against non-bankrupt defendants. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can identify all applicable trusts based on your specific product exposure history.
References
- OSHA Safety and Health Topics: Asbestos. osha.gov/asbestos
- EPA: Learn About Asbestos. epa.gov/asbestos
- USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries: Asbestos (2024). pubs.usgs.gov
- Mazurek JM et al. Malignant Mesothelioma Mortality — United States, 1999–2015. MMWR 2017;66(8):214–218. cdc.gov/mmwr
- NCI Mesothelioma Treatment (PDQ). cancer.gov
- ATSDR Toxicological Profile for Asbestos. atsdr.cdc.gov
- OSHA Asbestos Standards for Construction (29 CFR 1926.1101). osha.gov
- EPA Actions to Protect the Public from Exposure to Asbestos. epa.gov
- VA Asbestos Exposure and Disability Compensation. va.gov
- CDC/NIOSH: Asbestos Fibers and Other Elongate Mineral Particles. Current Intelligence Bulletin 62. cdc.gov/niosh
- EPA Overview of Asbestos NESHAP. epa.gov
- WikiMesothelioma: Occupational Exposure Index. wikimesothelioma.com
- WikiMesothelioma: Asbestos Trust Funds. wikimesothelioma.com
- WikiMesothelioma: Occupational Asbestos Exposure Quick Reference. wikimesothelioma.com
Related Articles
- Industries That Used the Most Asbestos: Worker Exposure in 2026 — updated 2026 data on industry-specific asbestos exposure
About the Author
Yvette AbregoSenior Client Manager specializing in occupational asbestos exposure cases at Danziger & De Llano
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