Products that contain Asbestos

All Products That Contain (or Historically Contained) Asbestos — In-Depth Guide

Asbestos was once called a miracle mineral—used everywhere from homes to factories because of its fire resistance, heat insulation, strength, and durability. 

Unfortunately, decades of widespread use have left a legacy of potential exposure in buildings, vehicles, appliances, and products we encounter every day. Even though asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999, older products and materials can still contain it. 

Below is a detailed, comprehensive list of products and materials known to contain asbestos either historically or (less commonly) still today in some countries.

1. Building & Construction Materials

These are some of the most common asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in older properties:

Structural & Exterior Materials

Asbestos cement sheets — roofs, gutters, downpipes, wall cladding, soffits and fascia boards 

Roofing shingles and tiles 

Transite cement products — flues, piping, wallboard (UK usage now discontinued) 

Cement pipes and water drainage pipes 

Insulation Materials

Pipe lagging and boiler wrap insulation 

Spray-on insulation and acoustic insulation 

Loose-fill vermiculite insulation (e.g., Zonolite attic insulation) 

Asbestos insulating board (AIB) in walls and ceilings (commonly 1950s–1980s) 

Vinyl floor tiles and backing sheets 

Adhesives and mastics used under flooring 

Textured coatings and decorative plaster (‘Artex’) 

Ceiling tiles and acoustic panels 

Joint compounds and wall plasters 

Paints and roof coatings with asbestos fillers 

2. Automotive & Transport Products

Asbestos was widely used in vehicles due to its heat-resistant and durable properties:

Friction & Heat Components

Brake linings and brake pads 

Clutch facings and clutch linings 

Gaskets, seals, and engine packing 

Exhaust wraps and heat shields 

Even though many modern vehicles use alternative materials, older cars and imported aftermarket parts may still contain asbestos in these components.

3. Household & Consumer Products

More surprisingly, asbestos wasn’t limited to construction and industry—many household items once contained it or tested positive for contamination:

Appliances & Home Goods

Hairdryers and heaters 

Clothes irons and ironing board covers 

Toasters and ovens 

Dishwashers and washing machines 

Coffee pots and popcorn poppers 

Textiles & Protective Gear

Fireproof blankets and protective heat-resistant gloves 

Firefighter clothing and asbestos fabrics/textiles 

Asbestos-woven tapes and rope (for heat sealing) 

Other Unexpected Items

Vinyl wallpaper 

Talcum powder and baby powder (contamination observed) 

Toys and play materials (recent recalls related to asbestos contamination) 

Cigarette filters (historically) 

Note: Many asbestos-containing household products were used before the 1980s–1990s. Even if an item looks modern, asbestos contamination has shown up unexpectedly in imported products. 

4. Industrial & Scientific Materials

Asbestos was especially prevalent in environments where high heat, fireproofing and insulation were priorities:

Industrial Equipment

Millboard and paper products (for fireproofing and insulation) 

Laboratory countertops, fume hood linings and heat mats 

Boilers, furnaces, turbines and generators 

HVAC ducts, tapes, sealants and connectors 

Fire Protection & Safety Gear

Fire blankets and heat-resistant mats 

High-temp protective uniforms 

These industrial uses were abundant in shipyards, power plants, refineries, factories and construction sites for much of the 20th century.

5. Miscellaneous & Historical Items

Several more unusual asbestos uses have been documented:

Asbestos cement composite panels like Cemesto used in historic wartime housing 

Asbestos-containing ceramics in ancient craft history (archaeological relevance, not modern risk) 

⚠️ Important Notes on Asbestos Today

Asbestos Bans

In the UK, all forms of asbestos have been banned in products since 1999; new products should not legally contain it.

Yet legacy materials continue to exist in buildings, vehicles, appliances, and products imported from countries without strict bans. 

Risk of Disturbance

Asbestos is generally safe if undisturbed and intact. The danger arises when fibres are released into the air—during renovations, drilling, breaking, sanding, crushing or demolition.

If You Think a Product Might Contain Asbestos

Assume that anything made before the late 1990s could contain asbestos.

Do not disturb suspected materials without professional advice.

Consult a qualified asbestos assessor or laboratory testing for any suspect item.

Summary

Asbestos was used in a huge range of products, from heavy industrial equipment to consumer goods and building materials. While its use is now widely banned and declining, many products containing asbestos still exist in older structures and even, occasionally, in imported goods. Awareness and caution are key to avoiding potential exposure.