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Asbestos as Filler in Plastic Molding Compounds
Manufacturers of plastic molding compounds, including Durez Plastics, Plenco, General Electric, Rogers and Union Carbide, incorporated asbestos into their plastic molding compounds. Because asbestos fibers are heat resistant and provide abundant strength, asbestos offered the best protection from heat and breakage, as compared to other filler materials, such as wood flour and cotton. Long fiber chrysotile asbestos was incorporated into plastic molded materials that required a maximum amount of strength, such as vinyl floor tiles. Short fiber chrysotile and crocidolite asbestos were incorporated into other products, including resins, adhesives and even into molded products, such as toilet cisterns and seats, as well as numerous other products for industrial use and consumer goods.
Asbestos posed a health danger to workers who manufactured granulated plastic molding compounds, as well as to mold shop workers who transformed asbestos-containing plastic molding compounds into finished products. If left undisturbed, asbestos-containing plastic molded products are generally not dangerous. However, when these plastic products are manipulated, drilled or sanded, dust and fibers can become airborne and easily inhaled or ingested. This type of exposure was quite common for electricians who worked with Bakelite and ebony asbestos in terminal blocks and boards.
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