Last Updated: October 27, 2026
What is Asbestos Exposure and Why is it Dangerous?
Throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century, many (if not most) homes, workplaces, and products contained asbestos. It could be found in household products, commercial products, construction sites, residential and commercial buildings, ships and other watercraft, etc. Unfortunately, it wasn’t widely known that asbestos was harmful until the late 1900s when people began falling ill from asbestos-related diseases. To this day, asbestos is still present in the United States and has not been fully banned.
For decades, victims have continued to get sick because of asbestos exposure, and others will continue to do so as well.
First, let’s take a look at what exactly asbestos is. Here’s what makes asbestos so dangerous and why it is so widely used.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers and can be separated into thin, durable threads. Asbestos fibers do not conduct electricity and are resistant to fire, chemicals, and heat.
Why Was Asbestos Used in So Many Products?
For these reasons, asbestos has been widely used in many industries and a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. If asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can cause asbestosis (scarring of the lung tissue), mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Unfortunately, though many suspected a link between asbestos exposure and lung disease, it was a long time before preventative measures were put in place. Many businesses made little or no effort to protect workers from breathing in asbestos particles, putting profits ahead of health and safety.
Asbestos Exposure Health Risks: Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma & More
Asbestos offers heat and chemical resistance, as well as fireproofing capabilities. It made for incredible insulation, especially in extreme temperatures or in environments at high risk for fires. Because of these qualities, it was used in cement, plastic, cloth, and other materials.
How Long Does it Take for Asbestos Exposure to Cause Illness?
After decades of widespread use, however, it became clear that asbestos was dangerous. Asbestos is composed of tiny fibers that, when inhaled or ingested, can permanently become trapped inside the human body. The human body cannot physically dispel the asbestos fibers—ever. The result of these fibers being trapped in the human body is agitation and damage that leads to mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, among other asbestos-related diseases. These illnesses can develop over decades, meaning an individual may not be aware that they were exposed to or harmed by asbestos for years.
Where Does Asbestos Come From? The Six Types of Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found around the world. During the 1960s, asbestos mining was at its peak, with over 100 asbestos mines in operation just in the United States alone. These were open-pit mines, and the asbestos was released even as it was collected. With these types of mines, drilling would release toxins and asbestos fibers into the air—later we learned that entire communities, as well as employees, were exposed to asbestos. The asbestos was then processed and used within products to fortify them against heat, chemicals, and fire.
The Six Primary Types of Asbestos:
There are six primary types of asbestos. These types are defined as fibrous and can be separated into either amphibole (straight, stiff, short, and needle-like) or serpentine (pliable, curly, and long).
- Chrysotile: The most commonly used type, found in construction materials and vehicle parts.
- Amosite: Known as brown asbestos, often found in cement and insulation.
- Tremolite: Sometimes contaminates talc and vermiculite.
- Crocidolite: The most hazardous type, used in tiles and insulation.
- Actinolite: Rare but used in cement, paint, and drywall.
- Anthophyllite: The least common, found in certain insulation products.
The amphibole types of asbestos, according to studies, are perhaps more dangerous than chrysotile (the one common serpentine asbestos type). According to the CDC, amphibole fibers can more easily make their way into a victim’s lungs and stay there for extended periods. The studies are, however, inconclusive regarding the most dangerous type of asbestos. They are all toxic and dangerous—that is known without a doubt.
Occupations Prone to Asbestos Exposure
Beginning in the late 1800s, asbestos was mined and used commercially in North America. Asbestos use increased during World War II and has since been used in many industries. For instance, the shipbuilding industry used it to insulate hot water pipes, steam pipes, and boilers. Construction companies use asbestos for roofing, fireproofing, sound absorption, and insulation. The automotive industry used it in clutch pads and vehicle brake shoes.
Asbestos has also been found in:
- Ceiling tiles
- Floor tiles
- Coatings
- Paints
- Adhesives
- Plastics
- Vermiculite-containing consumer garden products
- Talc-containing crayons
- Talcum powder
Abandoned Factory Hazards: Hidden Asbestos Risks
Abandoned industrial facilities across Michigan and throughout the United States continue to pose significant asbestos exposure risks to unsuspecting individuals. These derelict structures, which once housed manufacturing operations, often contain deteriorating asbestos-containing materials that become increasingly dangerous over time.
Structural Collapse and Asbestos Release
When abandoned factories face structural collapse due to age, weather damage, or neglect, the resulting destruction can release massive quantities of asbestos fibers into the surrounding environment. As roofing materials, insulation, and pipe coverings deteriorate or are damaged during collapse events, asbestos particles become airborne and can travel considerable distances, affecting both immediate areas and neighboring communities.
Urban explorers, scrap metal collectors, demolition workers, and emergency responders are particularly vulnerable to exposure when entering these hazardous sites. The combination of structural instability and hidden asbestos creates a perfect storm for dangerous exposure incidents that may not manifest as illness for decades.
Chemical Contamination in Abandoned Industrial Sites
Many abandoned factories present complex exposure scenarios where asbestos-containing materials exist alongside other toxic chemicals and industrial waste. This combination can create synergistic health effects, where exposure to multiple toxins may worsen the health impact compared to asbestos exposure alone. Chemical contamination can also accelerate the deterioration of asbestos-containing building materials, increasing the likelihood of fiber release.
Michigan’s Industrial Legacy and Asbestos Exposure
Michigan’s rich industrial history, particularly in automotive manufacturing and heavy industry, has left a lasting legacy of asbestos exposure risks throughout the state. From Detroit’s automotive plants to mining operations in the Upper Peninsula, countless workers and their families have been exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers over the decades.
High-Risk Industries in Michigan
Several industries prominent in Michigan have historically used large quantities of asbestos-containing materials:
- Automotive Manufacturing: Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler facilities used asbestos in brake systems, gaskets, and heat shields
- Steel Production: Michigan’s steel mills utilized asbestos for high-temperature insulation in furnaces and processing equipment
- Shipbuilding: Great Lakes shipyards extensively used asbestos for marine vessel construction and repair
- Power Generation: Coal-fired power plants throughout Michigan contained asbestos in boilers, turbines, and electrical systems
These industries continue to present exposure risks during renovation, demolition, or maintenance activities at aging facilities. Workers and contractors involved in these activities require proper training and protective equipment to prevent dangerous exposure incidents.
Government Regulations on Asbestos: Bans and Safety Measures
During the 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned asbestos in gas fireplaces and wallboard patching because asbestos fibers could be released into the environment. Electric hair dryer manufacturers also voluntarily stopped using asbestos in their products. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required schools to inspect for damaged asbestos and eliminate asbestos exposure by removing or encasing it.
In 2000, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that children’s exposure to asbestos in crayons was very low. Regardless, crayon manufacturers eliminated talc from their products.
Which Asbestos Products Are Still Legal in the U.S.?
The EPA also responded to reports about health effects linked to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite. After several tests, the EPA discovered that vermiculite only posed a small health concern. The agency advised consumers to:
- Use vermiculite outside or in a well-ventilated area
- Keep vermiculite damp during use
- Use premixed potting soil to limit dust
- Avoiding bringing dust into the home
The above regulations, combined with public concern about asbestos health risks, have resulted in a large decrease in asbestos use in the United States.
Recent events may signal that even more changes are on the horizon. In early April 2022, the EPA proposed a rule that, if implemented, would ban the importing and manufacturing of products containing chrysotile asbestos.
Legal Rights and Compensation for Asbestos Victims
Victims of asbestos exposure have important legal rights that remain protected even decades after initial exposure occurred. Understanding these rights is crucial for securing proper compensation and medical care for asbestos-related diseases.
Filing Asbestos Claims in Michigan
Michigan law provides multiple avenues for asbestos victims to seek compensation, including personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death claims, and asbestos trust fund claims. The state’s legal framework recognizes the unique challenges faced by asbestos victims, including long latency periods and the difficulty of identifying specific exposure sources.
[INTERNAL LINK: Michigan asbestos statute of limitations] plays a crucial role in determining when claims must be filed, with special provisions for cases where disease discovery occurs years after initial exposure. Experienced legal representation is essential for navigating these complex legal requirements and ensuring all available compensation sources are pursued effectively.