Is there Asbestos in Styrofoam?

Historical Uses of Asbestos in Styrofoam

Asbestos was added to Styrofoam (or expanded polystyrene foam) from at least the 1950s to the 1970s. It appeared in some composite products that included Styrofoam, including structural insulated panels with Styrofoam cores covered by a skin composed of fiber cement or asbestos cement board. Some companies that manufactured asbestos-containing insulation include W.R. Grace, Johns Manville, Armstrong Contracting and Supply, National Gypsum, EaglePicher, Pittsburgh Corning, Celotex and Nicolet.

Most buildings constructed before the mid 1980s contained some asbestos product or materials.

Ceiling titles created from uniform extruded polystyrene foam were likely to contain asbestos as well. From the 1950s to the 1980s, one of the most commonly added ingredients to ceilings was asbestos. Not only was it used in the tiles themselves, but it was also an ingredient in the adhesive holding them in place. It is estimated that 5-10% of ceilings still contain asbestos today.

Because of the historical prevalence of asbestos in Styrofoam and in other products in older homes and commercial and industrial buildings, it is important to have any areas of concern tested prior to undergoing renovations. An asbestos abatement company can perform a test and remove any asbestos properly so there is no exposure.

Alternatives to Asbestos

Products manufactured after the late-1980s should not contain any asbestos, and luckily, today there are many alternative insulations on the market – although some may be safer to use than others. 

For instance, three different types of asbestos-free insulation available include fiberglass, rock wool, and cellulose (all which can resemble asbestos in their loose forms, so it’s important to determine which it is). Insulation typically comes in three forms: loose fill, batts, or blankets.

Materials used to substitute for asbestos-containing materials (ACM):

Fiberglass: 

Both fiberglass and asbestos are fibrous materials, and both are also heat resistant. Surprisingly, while fiberglass is today a common alternative to asbestos today, both are also known to be carcinogens. For this reason, some have referred to fiberglass as the “man-made asbestos.” Its cancer-causing properties have been well-documented in studies. However, the material is not yet officially classified as a human carcinogen and continues to be widely used in a variety of products. It’s important to note that microscopic fiberglass has a tendency to cut through skin, so it’s important to wear protective gear when handling it to avoid irritation.

Rock Wool:

Rock wool is a mineral-based alternative, and the loose-fill option is commonly confused with asbestos because it is also fibrous and has a cotton-like texture. It can be gray, white or have a brownish tint, and is used both in loose insulation and in woven batts. The wool is created from basaltic rock and dolomite.

Cellulose: 

Cellulose insulation is gray and soft. It is made primarily from recycled paper, so it is not a mineral-based insulation, and it comes in a loose fill version commonly blown into attic or in woven batts. It can also look like asbestos when blown, and it can be difficult to decipher the difference. However, upon close inspection of the cellulose it the pieces of paper may be noticeable.

AsbestosClaims.Law

AsbestosClaims.law is your comprehensive resource for all things asbestos. We hope this information is helpful.

If you have any additional questions or concerns related to asbestos, check out our website and YouTube page for videos, infographics and answers to your questions about asbestos, including health and safety, asbestos testing, removing asbestos from your home and building, and legal information about compensation for asbestos injuries.

And if you believe that you were exposed to asbestos, or have been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, you could be entitled to significant compensation—money you could use to cover the costs of asbestos removal services, pay for medical treatment, and preemptively protect your physical well-being. 

All without filing a lawsuit.

If you’d like help with filing a claim, please get in touch by email at [email protected], or call or text us at (833) 4-ASBESTOS (427-2378) or (206) 455-9190. We’ll listen to your story and explain your options. And we never charge for anything unless you receive money in your pocket.