The use of asbestos has thankfully been banned in the UK for a number of years. However, it was widely used throughout the 19th and 20th centuries due to its strength and excellent heat-resistant properties. Although asbestos is no longer used today, its legacy remains an important issue in the UK, with many older buildings and products still containing asbestos materials. When most people think about asbestos, they associate it with pipe lagging, insulation and building materials. While this was certainly where it was most commonly used, asbestos also appeared in a number of unexpected everyday products. Looking back today, some of these uses seem almost unbelievable. The asbestos insoles Albert’s Asbestos Insoles claimed to “make your feet feel happy”. According to the advertisements, callouses could be peeled right off, bunions reduced and inflammation drawn out. The insoles even promised to remove the smell of sweaty feet. At the time, asbestos was often promoted as a miracle material, so its inclusion in footwear was presented as a benefit rather than a concern. The asbestos shoe Perhaps the insoles could be paired with the Original Moulders’ Asbestos Shoe. This rather stylish looking footwear was marketed as being “fireproof” and suitable for industrial workers who were regularly exposed to heat. Toothpaste Incredibly, asbestos fibres were once used in some toothpaste products as a mild abrasive designed to help remove stains from teeth. Advertisements claimed the product was “dandy for your teeth”, although we now know the risks associated with asbestos fibres. Hair dryers Asbestos was cheap and highly resistant to heat, which made it attractive to manufacturers of electrical appliances. Early hair dryers often contained asbestos insulation around their heating elements to reduce the risk of fire. Older hair dryers that are still in existence may therefore pose a risk if the asbestos insulation has deteriorated over time. As these materials age, the asbestos can become friable, meaning fibres may break away from the surrounding material and potentially be inhaled. Cases involving occupational exposure have even arisen in the hairdressing industry. We previously represented a woman who had worked as a hairdresser for many years and later developed Mesothelioma. It was accepted that part of her exposure had likely occurred through the regular use and cleaning of older salon hair dryers, which contained asbestos insulation around the heating elements. Fake snow Chrysotile asbestos was once used to create artificial snow that was popular as a Christmas decoration. It could be sprinkled on trees, window displays and festive scenes. It was considered attractive because it created a realistic effect and, unlike many decorative materials of the time, it was not easily flammable. This material was also famously used on the set of the film The Wizard of Oz. Gas masks Asbestos was also used in certain types of gas mask filters. In Britain, around twenty-five million military “General Service Respirators” were manufactured between 1935 and 1942. Those produced after 1937 contained crocidolite asbestos. Around three million “Light Respirators” were produced after 1942 until approximately the mid-1960s, and some of these also contained crocidolite. Civilian gas masks produced between about 1937 and 1942 normally contained chrysotile asbestos, although some also contained crocidolite. In 2013, the Joint Union Asbestos Committee warned that if any school owned or displayed Second World War gas masks during lessons or exhibitions, they should be removed immediately due to the potential presence of asbestos. Household appliances A number of older household appliances also contained asbestos components. Items such as early toasters, electric irons and some heaters sometimes used asbestos insulation around heating elements. This helped prevent heat damage and reduced the risk of fire. Ironing boards Asbestos could also be found in older ironing boards. The heat-resistant material was sometimes used in the section where the iron rested, helping to protect the board from scorching. Fire blankets Asbestos was widely used in early fire blankets because of its ability to withstand extremely high temperatures. These blankets were commonly kept in kitchens, laboratories and workshops as a quick way to smother small fires. Modern fire blankets are now made from safer materials, but caution ought to be exercised. A hidden legacy Thankfully, products such as these are no longer manufactured or sold. However, some may still exist in lofts, garages, collections or antique shops. If you believe an older product in your home could contain asbestos, it is important not to disturb it. Instead, advice should be sought from a qualified asbestos specialist who can assess whether the material poses a risk and recommend the safest course of action. Although its use has since ended, asbestos remains a reminder of how widely a once-celebrated material found its way into everyday life. Asbestos legal advice If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition or believe you may have been exposed to asbestos through your work or environment, it is important to seek specialist legal advice. If you would like to discuss your situation or learn more about your options, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team for a confidential conversation.
