Electrical Insulation & Asbestos

About Electrical Insulation

Electrical Insulation was one of many products that contained asbestos during the 20th century. Electricians stripped asbestos-insulated wiring in countless buildings. The fibers were invisible.. Manufacturers added asbestos to these products for its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties.

Workers who manufactured, installed, maintained, or removed electrical insulation were at significant risk of asbestos exposure. When these materials were cut, drilled, sanded, or disturbed, microscopic asbestos fibers became airborne and could be inhaled.

Who Was Exposed?

Several occupations faced elevated exposure risks from electrical insulation:

Industries Affected

Electrical Insulation was commonly used in these industries:

Asbestos Exposure Timeline

Understanding when asbestos was used in electrical insulation helps establish exposure history:

• 1930s-1940s: Asbestos use began expanding in building materials and industrial products
• 1950s-1970s: Peak usage period when most asbestos-containing products were manufactured
• 1970s-1980s: Regulations began limiting asbestos use as health risks became public
• 1989: EPA attempted to ban most asbestos products (later overturned in court)
• Today: Legacy asbestos remains in millions of buildings built before 1980

Health Risks

Exposure to asbestos fibers from electrical insulation can cause:

• Mesothelioma — Aggressive cancer of the lung lining, heart lining, or abdominal lining
• Lung cancer — Risk increases significantly with combined asbestos and smoking exposure
• Asbestosis — Chronic scarring of lung tissue from fiber accumulation
• Pleural plaques — Calcified areas on lung lining indicating exposure

Symptoms may not appear until 20-50 years after initial exposure, making early detection difficult.

Companies That Made This Product

Multiple manufacturers produced asbestos-containing electrical insulation throughout the 20th century. Many of these companies have been sued by mesothelioma victims and have established bankruptcy trusts to compensate claimants.

An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help identify which manufacturers made the specific products you were exposed to and determine available compensation sources.

Browse asbestos companies →

Compensation Options

If you were exposed to asbestos through electrical insulation and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation through:

• Asbestos trust funds — Established by bankrupt manufacturers to pay victims
• Personal injury lawsuits — Claims against companies still in business
• VA benefits — For veterans exposed during military service
• Workers' compensation — Through state programs for occupational exposure

Learn about legal options →

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