Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fiber, has historically been used in a variety of building materials and products due to its heat and chemical resistance.
However, hairdressers of the past were not without risk themselves. If you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos throughout the course of your hairdressing career, contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP, for a free consultation to discuss your options.
How are Hairdressers at Risk?
If a hair salon is located in an older building where asbestos was used in construction materials (like floor tiles, ceiling tiles, or insulation), there could be a potential risk. However, asbestos is generally safe if left undisturbed. It becomes a hazard when it’s damaged or during renovation work that disturbs the asbestos.
Historically, asbestos was used in some hairdressing tools like hooded hair dryers. However, modern tools are unlikely to contain asbestos. If a hairdresser is using vintage or antique equipment, there might be a small risk.
Asbestos Sources
There have been some instances where asbestos sources could be found in the hairdressing industry, particularly in older equipment and building materials.
Here are potential sources of asbestos in the hairdressing industry:
- Older salon buildings: The most common source of asbestos in the hairdressing industry would be the buildings themselves, especially if they were constructed or renovated before the late 1970s or early 1980s when asbestos use was more prevalent. Asbestos could be found in insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, roofing materials, and other building components.
- Vintage hairdryers: In the past, some hairdryers contained asbestos for insulation purposes. This is primarily a concern with vintage or antique hairdryers that might still be in use in some salons or collected by enthusiasts.
- Heat protective gear: Older heat protective mats or pads used for placing hot styling tools might have contained asbestos due to its heat-resistant properties.
- Asbestos-containing talc: Some talcum powders used historically in hairdressing and cosmetics contained asbestos. This is because talc deposits can be naturally contaminated with asbestos.
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing Hairdressing Equipment
- Clubman Pinaud: Clubman products were used in salons and barbershops after haircuts and shaves.
- Conair: Conair produces consumer products for hair and beauty, they sold hand-held hair dryers with asbestos insulation.
- General Electric: Sold a wide range of products, including hairdryers and other consumer electrics.
- Johnson’s Baby Powder: Manufactured a talc-based baby powder that contained asbestos and was used by hairdressers.
- La Reine: La Reine manufactured flooring standing hood-style hair dryers.
- North American Philips Corporation: This company produced har dryers under the brand Norelco.
- Suter Avante: Produced hooded hair dryers that contained asbestos elements.
Final Thoughts
Confronting mesothelioma, a challenging and often overwhelming diagnosis, doesn’t need to be a journey you undertake on your own. The experience can be daunting, filled with uncertainty and complex medical and legal questions. This is where the expertise and support of Bailey & Glasser, LLP can be invaluable. Our team of dedicated mesothelioma attorneys is committed to guiding you and your family through every step of this difficult time.
At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, we understand the unique challenges that come with a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our legal team is not only skilled in navigating the intricate legalities associated with asbestos-related cases, but they are also empathetic to the emotional and physical toll that mesothelioma can take on patients and their families.
