Asbestos appeared in more than 3,000 products across virtually every major American industry from the late 1800s through the 1980s. This page is designed as a fast-scan reference guide — organized by industry — so you can quickly find the sector relevant to you, see exactly where asbestos was used, and understand the timeframe of that use.
This is not a medical or legal document. It is an educational reference for homeowners, workers, researchers, and anyone trying to understand the full scope of asbestos in American life.
How to use this page: Click any industry below to jump directly to that section.
Key to status indicators used throughout this guide:
- 🔴 Banned/Phased Out — No longer legal for this use in the U.S.
- 🟡 Heavily Restricted — Legal under strict conditions or pending full ban
- 🟢 Still In Use — Currently permitted in the U.S. (imported materials)
- ⚫ Legacy Only — No longer manufactured but still present in older materials
📋 Jump to Industry:
- Residential Construction
- Commercial and Industrial Construction
- Shipbuilding and Maritime
- Automotive Industry
- Power Generation
- Military (All Branches)
- Oil Refining and Chemical Processing
- Steel Mills and Foundries
- Railroad Industry
- Textile Manufacturing
- Mining Industry
- Paper and Pulp Mills
- Aerospace and Aviation
- Agriculture
- Consumer Products and Household Goods
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
- Education – Schools and Universities
- Fire Service and Emergency Response
1. Residential Construction
Peak use: 1920s–1978 | Heavily phased out: 1978–1986 | Status: ⚫ Legacy Only
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Popcorn / acoustic ceiling texture (spray) | 1950–1978 | Banned for spray application 1978; stockpiles used until ~1982 |
| Drywall joint compound (mud) | 1940s–1977 | Banned 1977; some stockpiles installed to ~1980 |
| Vinyl floor tiles (9×9, 12×12 inch) | 1950s–1980 | 9×9 tiles almost always pre-1980 |
| Sheet vinyl / linoleum flooring | 1950s–1980 | Asbestos often in backing layer, not surface |
| Floor tile mastic / adhesive (black) | 1950s–1985 | Tar-based black mastic; present under tiles even if tiles are newer |
| Roof shingles (asbestos cement / transite) | 1920s–1970s | Look like flat slate or fiber cement shingles |
| Roofing felt underlayment | 1900s–1970s | Hidden beneath roof surface |
| Exterior siding (transite / cement board) | 1920s–1970s | Brands: Cemplank, Colorbestos, Eternit |
| Plaster walls and ceilings | 1920s–1976 | Used as reinforcement fiber in scratch coat |
| Pipe insulation (steam/hot water) | 1900s–1975 | Corrugated wrap on pipes; very high risk if friable |
| Boiler and furnace insulation | 1900s–1975 | Blankets, boards, and cement around heating units |
| HVAC duct tape and connectors | 1920s–1980s | Gray cloth tape on ductwork seams |
| Vermiculite attic insulation (Zonolite) | 1940s–1990 | Assume all contains tremolite asbestos (Libby, MT source) |
| Hardwood floor felt underlayment | 1920s–1960s | Hidden beneath hardwood floors |
| Caulk, putty, and window glazing | 1920s–1980 | Around windows, doors, and plumbing penetrations |
| Textured paint | 1950s–1978 | Banned 1978; check walls and ceilings |
| Wallpaper adhesive / backing | 1950s–1970s | Less common; found in older wallpapered rooms |
| Fireplace rope gaskets | 1950s–1980s | Braided rope seal on fireplace doors |
| Ceiling tiles (drop/suspended) | 1950s–1980 | Often contained amosite; common in basements |
| Artificial fireplace logs / embers | 1950s–1977 | Banned by Consumer Product Safety Act |
2. Commercial and Industrial Construction
Peak use: 1920s–1980 | Status: ⚫ Legacy Only in existing structures
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spray-applied fireproofing on steel beams | 1950s–1973 | Used to meet fire codes; most common in high-rises |
| Transite pipe (cement-asbestos pipe) | 1930s–1980s | Used for HVAC, drainage, and utility conduit |
| Asbestos cement panels (exterior) | 1920s–1970s | Flat or corrugated sheets on commercial walls and roofs |
| Floor and ceiling tiles | 1920s–1980 | High-traffic commercial floors; common in schools and offices |
| Boiler room insulation | 1900s–1980 | Block, blanket, and cement insulation; high-risk environment |
| Elevator equipment insulation | 1930s–1970s | Brake pads, motor insulation, and shaft linings |
| Laboratory bench tops and fume hoods | 1930s–1970s | Asbestos board used for heat resistance in science labs |
| Fire doors and fire walls | 1920s–1975 | Core material in older rated fire doors |
| Window putty (schools and offices) | 1920s–1970s | Common in institutional building windows |
| Wallboard patching compound | 1940s–1977 | Banned by Consumer Product Safety Act |
3. Shipbuilding and Maritime
Peak use: 1930s–1970s | Mandatory U.S. Navy use: WWII era | Status: ⚫ Legacy Only
Note: Approximately 100,000 Americans have died or are terminally ill from asbestos exposure related to shipbuilding. Mesothelioma rates in shipbuilding centers like Hampton Roads, VA are seven times the national average.
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler insulation | 1930s–1970s | Primary exposure source for Navy veterans |
| Steam pipe insulation and lagging | 1930s–1975 | Wrapped all steam lines throughout the vessel |
| Engine room insulation | 1930s–1975 | Turbines, pumps, and valves |
| Bulkhead and deck insulation | 1940s–1970s | Fire and thermal insulation throughout hull |
| Gaskets (valves, pumps, flanges) | 1930s–1980 | Sheet and spiral-wound asbestos gaskets |
| Packing (pump and valve packing rope) | 1930s–1975 | Braided asbestos used to seal rotating shafts |
| Fireproofing compounds | 1940s–1970s | Applied to structural components throughout ships |
| Floor tiles (crew quarters and common areas) | 1940s–1975 | Same vinyl tile products as residential |
| Electrical wire insulation | 1930s–1970s | Used throughout ship wiring systems |
| Protective clothing for boiler workers | 1940s–1970s | Gloves, aprons, and suits woven from chrysotile |
| Transite pipe sections | 1930s–1970s | Used for ventilation, drainage, and conduit runs |
| Soundproofing and vibration dampening | 1940s–1970s | Applied to engine room walls and ceilings |
4. Automotive Industry
Peak use: 1920s–1980s | Status: 🟡 Still permitted in imported friction products
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brake pads and shoes (drum and disc) | 1920s–present | Still found in imported aftermarket brakes as of 2024 |
| Clutch facings and discs | 1920s–1990s | Phased out in domestic production; imports still a concern |
| Gaskets (head, exhaust, intake manifold) | 1920s–present | Sheet asbestos gaskets still imported for some applications |
| Automatic transmission components | 1950s–1980s | Bands and friction materials |
| Hood liners and firewall insulation | 1940s–1980s | Thermal and acoustic insulation under hood |
| Exhaust system wraps and heat shields | 1950s–1980s | Wrapped around exhaust pipes and manifolds |
| Valve stem packing | 1940s–1980s | Found in older engines during rebuild |
| Body filler / putty (some formulations) | 1950s–1970s | Rare but documented in some products |
| Undercoating and sound deadening | 1960s–1980s | Applied to floor pan interiors |
5. Power Generation
Peak use: 1920s–1980 | Status: ⚫ Legacy Only in existing plants
Note: A study found nearly 33% of power plant workers had asbestos fibers in mucus samples.
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steam turbine insulation | 1900s–1980 | High-heat components throughout power plants |
| Boiler insulation (block, blanket, cement) | 1900s–1980 | Primary exposure source for plant workers |
| Pipe insulation throughout plant | 1900s–1980 | Steam distribution lines; massive quantities in large plants |
| Turbine blade packing | 1930s–1975 | Braided packing on rotating shafts |
| Electrical cable and wire insulation | 1920s–1970s | Throughout control rooms and distribution systems |
| Generator insulation | 1920s–1970s | Windings and housing insulation |
| Gaskets (flanges, valves, pumps) | 1920s–1980 | Every pressurized connection in the plant |
| Control room floor tiles | 1950s–1980 | Same vinyl tile as residential applications |
| Cement asbestos pipe (transite) | 1930s–1980 | Cooling water and drainage systems |
| Refractory cement and firebrick | 1920s–1980 | Inside furnaces and high-temperature chambers |
6. Military (All Branches)
Peak use: 1940s–1970s | Mandated use in Navy vessels: WWII–1975 | Status: ⚫ Legacy Only
| Product / Application | Branch / Location | Years Used |
|---|---|---|
| Ship insulation (all applications listed under Shipbuilding) | Navy | 1930s–1975 |
| Barracks and base building materials | All branches | 1940s–1975 |
| Aircraft brake assemblies | Air Force / Navy aviation | 1940s–1980s |
| Jet engine insulation and gaskets | Air Force / Navy aviation | 1950s–1980s |
| Aircraft fire-retardant coatings | Air Force / Navy | 1950s–1970s |
| Vehicle brake and clutch components | Army / Marines | 1940s–1980s |
| Military vehicle engine gaskets | Army / Marines | 1940s–1980s |
| Protective gear (gloves, aprons, suits) | All branches | 1940s–1975 |
| Submarine pipe and bulkhead insulation | Navy | 1940s–1975 |
| Missile and weapons systems insulation | Air Force / Navy | 1950s–1970s |
7. Oil Refining and Chemical Processing
Peak use: 1920s–1980 | Status: 🟢 Chrysotile still used in chlor-alkali diaphragms (pending 2037 ban)
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe and vessel insulation | 1920s–1980 | Extensive throughout refineries |
| Gaskets (flanges, heat exchangers, pumps) | 1920s–present | Still used in some imported applications |
| Valve packing | 1920s–1980 | Braided asbestos in high-temperature valves |
| Boiler insulation | 1920s–1980 | Throughout refinery steam systems |
| Chlor-alkali diaphragms | 1970s–present | Used to produce chlorine; last legal U.S. use; EPA ban phases out by 2037 |
| Refractory linings (furnaces/reactors) | 1920s–1980 | Asbestos brick and cement inside high-heat units |
| Protective clothing | 1930s–1975 | Worn by workers in high-heat refinery areas |
8. Steel Mills and Foundries
Peak use: 1900s–1980 | Status: ⚫ Legacy Only
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refractory brick and cement (furnace linings) | 1900s–1980 | Inside blast furnaces, open hearths, and electric arc furnaces |
| Ladle and tundish insulation | 1920s–1980 | Molten metal handling equipment |
| Pipe insulation | 1920s–1980 | Steam and cooling water systems throughout plant |
| Protective clothing and gloves | 1900s–1975 | Worn by furnace operators, welders, and casters |
| Gaskets and packing | 1920s–1980 | Throughout hydraulic and steam systems |
| Electrical insulation | 1920s–1970s | In high-current industrial electrical systems |
| Welding curtains and blankets | 1940s–1975 | Fire and spark protection in welding areas |
9. Railroad Industry
Peak use: 1900s–1980 | Status: ⚫ Legacy Only
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Locomotive boiler insulation | 1900s–1960s | Steam locomotives; massive asbestos content |
| Diesel locomotive engine insulation | 1950s–1980 | Exhaust manifolds, turbochargers, and firewall |
| Brake shoes and pads | 1900s–1980s | Friction material on all railroad rolling stock |
| Furnace and boiler cement | 1900s–1975 | Repair cement used by railroad maintenance workers |
| Gaskets and packing | 1900s–1980 | Throughout locomotive and car mechanical systems |
| Car body insulation | 1930s–1975 | Thermal and acoustic insulation in passenger cars |
| Switchhouse and maintenance facility insulation | 1920s–1975 | Building insulation in railroad facilities |
10. Textile Manufacturing
Peak use: 1880s–1975 | Status: 🔴 Banned in U.S. textile production
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos cloth and fabric | 1880s–1975 | Woven from chrysotile; used as fireproof textile |
| Fireproof protective clothing | 1900s–1975 | Sold to industry, military, and fire departments |
| Asbestos rope and cord | 1880s–1975 | Used as gasket material, packing, and fire curtains |
| Asbestos yarn and thread | 1880s–1975 | Base material for all woven asbestos products |
| Conveyor belt material | 1920s–1975 | Heat-resistant belting for industrial processes |
| Insulating tape and sleeves | 1920s–1975 | For wrapping pipes, electrical components, and valves |
| Theater fire curtains | 1900s–1970s | Mandated drop curtains in theaters; heavily asbestos-laden |
| Mill machine insulation | 1920s–1975 | Insulation on hot mill machinery and dryers |
11. Mining Industry
Peak use: 1900s–1980 | Status: ⚫ Legacy Only (last U.S. asbestos mine closed 2002)
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler and pipe insulation (mine facilities) | 1900s–1975 | Throughout surface processing facilities |
| Brake linings on mining equipment | 1920s–1980 | Heavy equipment brake systems |
| Gaskets and packing on mining machinery | 1920s–1980 | Pumps, compressors, and conveyor systems |
| Conveyor belt material | 1920s–1975 | Heat-resistant ore transport belts |
| Protective clothing | 1930s–1975 | Worn in high-heat processing areas |
| Building insulation (mine structures) | 1920s–1975 | Surface buildings and processing facilities |
| Asbestos mining itself | 1870s–2002 | Chrysotile mined in Vermont; last U.S. mine closed 2002 |
12. Paper and Pulp Mills
Peak use: 1920s–1980 | Status: ⚫ Legacy Only
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paper drying felt | 1920s–1975 | Asbestos felt used on paper machine drying rolls |
| Steam pipe and dryer insulation | 1920s–1980 | Extensive steam systems throughout mills |
| Gaskets and packing on machinery | 1920s–1980 | High-pressure steam and process machinery |
| Boiler insulation | 1920s–1980 | Large industrial boilers; massive asbestos content |
| Electrical insulation | 1920s–1970s | Throughout high-current paper mill electrical systems |
| Building insulation (mill structures) | 1920s–1975 | Roof and wall insulation in older mill buildings |
13. Aerospace and Aviation
Peak use: 1940s–1980s | Status: 🟡 Some imported components still may contain asbestos
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft brake pads and assemblies | 1940s–1980s | High-heat friction application; particularly military aircraft |
| Jet engine gaskets and seals | 1950s–1980s | High-temperature turbine components |
| Fire-retardant coatings (engine bay) | 1950s–1975 | Spray-applied around engine compartments |
| Thermal insulation (fuselage) | 1940s–1975 | Blanket insulation inside aircraft skin |
| Electrical wire insulation | 1940s–1970s | Throughout aircraft wiring harnesses |
| Missile component insulation | 1950s–1970s | Nozzle and rocket motor insulation |
| Hangar and maintenance facility insulation | 1940s–1975 | Building materials in older aviation facilities |
14. Agriculture
Peak use: 1940s–1980 | Status: ⚫ Legacy Only
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Farm equipment brake linings | 1940s–1980s | Tractors, combines, and other large equipment |
| Irrigation pipe (transite) | 1930s–1970s | Cement-asbestos pipe used in agricultural water systems |
| Grain dryer insulation | 1940s–1975 | Thermal insulation on drying equipment |
| Boiler and pipe insulation (processing facilities) | 1930s–1975 | Canneries, processing plants, and grain elevators |
| Electrical equipment insulation | 1940s–1970s | Throughout agricultural processing equipment |
| Barn and silo building materials | 1930s–1975 | Corrugated asbestos cement roofing sheets on farm buildings |
15. Consumer Products and Household Goods
Peak use: 1930s–1977 | Status: 🔴 Banned or phased out; some talc contamination concerns ongoing
| Product | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hair dryers | 1960s–1979 | Released fibers directly into air stream; recalled 1979 |
| Electric irons and ironing board covers | 1940s–1975 | Heat-resistant cover material |
16. Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Peak use: 1930s–1975 | Status: ⚫ Legacy Only
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital building materials (all standard construction materials) | 1930s–1975 | Same as commercial construction above |
| Pharmaceutical manufacturing filters | 1940s–1970s | Banned by FDA for drug filtration |
| Autoclave and sterilizer insulation | 1940s–1975 | High-pressure steam sterilization equipment |
| Laboratory bench tops | 1930s–1975 | Asbestos board on lab benches throughout hospitals |
| X-ray equipment insulation | 1940s–1970s | Internal insulation in early radiological equipment |
17. Education – Schools and Universities
Peak use: 1940s–1978 | Status: ⚫ Legacy Only — AHERA requires inspection of all U.S. schools
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spray-applied ceiling texture and fireproofing | 1950s–1973 | Extremely common in schools built during this period |
| Floor tiles (9×9 and 12×12) | 1950s–1980 | Most school hallways and classrooms of this era |
| Pipe insulation in boiler rooms | 1930s–1975 | School boiler rooms a known high-risk environment |
| Laboratory bench tops and fume hoods | 1930s–1975 | Science classrooms throughout the country |
| Ceiling tiles (drop ceilings) | 1950s–1980 | Gymnasiums, cafeterias, and administrative areas |
| Boiler and furnace insulation | 1930s–1975 | Heating plants in older school buildings |
| Roof and wall materials | 1940s–1975 | Transite panels and roofing common in school construction |
18. Fire Service and Emergency Response
Peak use: 1930s–1975 | Status: 🔴 Banned in protective gear
| Product / Application | Years Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Firefighter turnout gear (coats, pants) | 1930s–1975 | Asbestos woven into outer shell for flame resistance |
| Firefighter helmets and hoods | 1930s–1975 | Inner liner and outer material sometimes asbestos-based |
| Fireproof gloves | 1930s–1975 | Chrysotile woven gloves used by firefighters and welders |
| Fire blankets | 1930s–1975 | Used to smother fires and protect victims |
| Firehouse building materials | 1920s–1975 | Same as commercial construction; pipe insulation especially common |
| Fire engine brake linings | 1930s–1980s | Heavy-duty brake components on fire apparatus |
Is Asbestos Still Used Today in the U.S.?
As of 2024, the following applications are the only remaining legal uses of asbestos in the United States — all subject to the EPA’s 2024 Part 1 Chrysotile rule, which mandates full phase-out by 2037:
| Product | Industry | How It Is Used | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Chlor-alkali diaphragms | Chemical Manufacturing — factories that produce chlorine gas and caustic soda, which are raw ingredients in bleach, PVC plastic, paper, and dozens of other everyday products | Asbestos fibers are pressed into a porous sheet called a diaphragm. This diaphragm sits inside an electrolytic cell and acts as a separator, allowing electricity to split saltwater into chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide without the two chemicals mixing. No commercially viable asbestos-free replacement has been fully adopted at scale in the U.S. yet. | 🟢 Still actively manufactured and used. Approximately 224 metric tons of chrysotile were imported in 2022 for this use alone. EPA mandates full phase-out by 2037. |
| 🟡 Aftermarket brake pads, brake shoes, and brake blocks | Automotive Repair — independent repair shops and parts retailers installing replacement brakes on older vehicles; also used in heavy oil industry drilling and extraction equipment | Asbestos fibers are mixed into the friction material that presses against the brake rotor or drum to slow the vehicle. The asbestos resists the extreme heat generated during braking. When these pads are machined, drilled, or worn down, fine asbestos dust is released. Mechanics who blow out brake assemblies with compressed air face the highest exposure risk. | 🟡 No longer manufactured domestically. Still imported from parts of Asia and South America. Domestic manufacturers phased out asbestos brakes but import controls have not closed the gap entirely. |
| 🟡 Sheet gaskets and spiral-wound gaskets | Oil and Gas Refining, Chemical Processing, and Heavy Industrial Manufacturing — used at connection points throughout refineries, chemical plants, power plants, and pipelines wherever pipes, valves, pumps, and flanges must be sealed under high temperature and pressure | A gasket is a compressible ring or sheet placed between two metal surfaces to create a pressure-tight seal. Asbestos gaskets are valued because they can withstand temperatures and pressures that would cause rubber or synthetic gaskets to fail or degrade. Workers who cut sheet gasket material to fit a specific flange size generate the highest fiber concentrations. Pipefitters, boilermakers, and maintenance mechanics are the most commonly exposed workers. | 🟡 No longer manufactured domestically. Still imported for industrial use. The EPA’s 2024 rule targets this application for phase-out but timelines vary by specific use condition. |
| 🟡 Clutch facings and vehicle friction materials | Automotive Repair and Heavy Equipment Maintenance — replacement clutch components for older vehicles, trucks, and industrial machinery including construction equipment, agricultural equipment, and mining vehicles | A clutch facing is the friction disc that engages and disengages the engine from the transmission. Like brake pads, asbestos was mixed into the friction material to handle the heat of repeated engagement. Removing a worn asbestos clutch disc — particularly if it is crumbled or glazed — releases fine dust. The risk is highest in enclosed shop environments without proper ventilation. | 🟡 No longer manufactured domestically. Imported replacement parts from certain countries may still contain asbestos. Workers should treat any clutch components from pre-1990 vehicles or unknown import sources as potentially containing asbestos. |
Important note for homeowners: None of the above uses involve residential construction materials. If you are renovating an older home, the asbestos concern is legacy materials already in place — not newly manufactured products. The applications above affect industrial workers, mechanics, and chemical plant employees rather than DIY homeowners.
The United States remains one of the few developed nations without a complete asbestos ban. Over 55 countries — including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and all European Union members — have already enacted full bans. The EPA’s 2024 Part 1 rule is the most significant step toward a complete U.S. ban in decades, but full prohibition is still years away.
Conclusion
The scope of asbestos use in American industry was not accidental or fringe — it was systematic, government-encouraged, and deeply embedded in virtually every sector of the economy for most of the 20th century. The industries listed on this page represent millions of workers, thousands of products, and decades of exposure that continue to result in new diagnoses of mesothelioma and asbestosis today, due to the long latency period of asbestos-related disease.
For homeowners, the most relevant section of this guide is residential construction. For workers concerned about occupational exposure, the industry sections above provide a starting point for understanding where and when specific products were used.
If you recognize a product or material in your home or workplace, the next step is always the same: do not disturb it, and contact a certified professional for testing and assessment.