Do ceramic tiles, Grouts, or Mastics Contain Asbestos?
Renowned for its insulation, heat resistance, and strength, asbestos was used in a wide range of construction materials.
It's important to note that the health risk of asbestos is only in the form of friable or dust-like particles that can become airborne.The fibers can remain suspended in the air for a long time after being released.Homeowners are exposed not only at the time and place of release, but also long after the release and far from its source.Most of the non-friable, hard-bonded products and materials are safe to be around until they start to degrade.
When it was used in brick manufacturing, it added immense strength to materials.
Cinder blocks are used in construction sites.Cinder blocks were used in residential constructions before 1900.For preventing cracking in the finished product, Masonry Cement is a specific type of cement.The bonding agent is used between bricks and cinder blocks.Prior to the public being aware of the dangers associated with the exposure to asbestos, the "miraculous" mineral was a common ingredient in masonry cement.The cheap, easy to use material provided a great deal of strength and heat resistance to the finished product.Masonry fill can be poured into cinderblock walls to increase the insulation value.
The glue used to bind bricks and other masonry units together is called mortar.
The Mortar manufacturers were looking for a material that would be resistant to fire and heat, as well as having high durability.The majority of the mortar mixes in the United States were made with asbestos.Builders preferred having it in the mix because it was cheaper and stronger than cement-based mortars.
In the first half of the 20th century, chrysotile and amphibole was added to the mortar to increase its strength and prevent fire and water damage.
The lining of chimneys and furnaces was very popular and useful for fire resistance.
The internal and external decoration of imitation brick was usually attached to cement sheeting.When the Mastic Corporation began marketing faux brick siding panels in the 1930s, they became a popular renovation alternative.It was popular due to its ease of installation and low cost; sheets did not need to be painted and were considered fireproof.
Check the product name on the manufacturer's label and do a web search to find out if it contains the cancer-causing substance.The absence of a label does not mean the material is free of the cancer-causing substance.