When Were Asbestos Fire Blankets Last Made? Safety & Alternatives
Asbestos fire blankets were last manufactured in the late 1980s before being phased out due to health risks. This article explains when they were discontinued, why they're dangerous, and what safer alternatives you should use today.
The Timeline of Asbestos Fire Blanket Production
Asbestos fire blankets were common household and industrial safety items for decades. The last asbestos fire blankets were made around 1987-1989 in most countries. Here's why production stopped:
- 1985: UK begins restricting asbestos products
- 1986: US EPA issues asbestos ban (later overturned but reduced use)
- 1987: Australia bans most asbestos products
- 1989: EU starts phasing out asbestos materials
If you find an old fire blanket with no manufacturing date, assume it contains asbestos if purchased before 1990. Modern fire blankets use fiberglass or other safe materials.
Why Asbestos Was Used in Fire Blankets
Manufacturers used asbestos in fire blankets because it had perfect properties for fire protection:
- Extremely heat-resistant (withstands over 1000°C)
- Naturally fireproof mineral fibers
- Lightweight yet durable
- Affordable to produce
Before the health risks were fully understood, asbestos seemed like an ideal material. The last asbestos fire blankets made were often high-quality but dangerously toxic.
Warning:Never use an old asbestos fire blanket. Even if unopened, the fibers become airborne when unfolded. Asbestos causes lung cancer and mesothelioma decades after exposure.
How to Identify Asbestos Fire Blankets
Check these signs to spot asbestos-containing blankets:
- Manufacture date:Pre-1990 blankets likely contain asbestos
- Material:Grayish-white fibrous texture (modern ones are yellow or silver)
- Labels:May say "asbestos" or list chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite
- Brands:Old Pyroban, Fyrfyter, or Turner & Newall products
If unsure, treat it as hazardous. The last asbestos fire blankets made often lacked clear warnings about the danger.
Safe Modern Alternatives
Today's fire blankets use these safer materials instead of asbestos:
- Fiberglass:Most common replacement, works up to 550°C
- Silica fabric:Withstands over 1000°C, flexible
- Wool blends:Natural flame resistance
- Ceramic fibers:For industrial high-heat protection
Modern blankets meet safety standards like EN 1869. Look for this certification when buying.
Proper Disposal of Old Asbestos Blankets
If you find one of the last asbestos fire blankets made, follow these steps:
- Don't unfold or disturb it
- Place it in a sealed plastic bag
- Label clearly "Asbestos - Do Not Open"
- Contact local hazardous waste disposal
- Never put asbestos in regular trash
Professional asbestos removal is recommended for large quantities or damaged blankets.
Key Takeaways
- Asbestos fire blankets were last manufactured in the late 1980s
- All pre-1990 fire blankets should be treated as hazardous
- Modern fiberglass blankets provide safe, effective protection
- Proper disposal prevents dangerous asbestos exposure
Always choose certified modern fire blankets and replace old ones immediately. Your safety matters more than keeping outdated equipment.
