Calcium Silicate Insulation

Calcium silicate insulation is a hard, molded insulation material used on high-temperature pipes, boilers, and equipment. For much of the 20th century it was manufactured with asbestos added for strength and heat resistance. Cutting, shaping, or removing this insulation can release asbestos fibers into the air.

Origin

Calcium silicate block and pipe covering came into wide industrial use in the early-to-mid 20th century as a durable high-temperature insulation. Asbestos was a common ingredient until manufacturers reformulated these products in the 1970s.

Significance in Asbestos Context

For patients, calcium silicate insulation is important because it was a major source of asbestos exposure for pipefitters, insulators, boilermakers, power plant workers, and anyone nearby during installation or repair. Brands like Kaylo were asbestos-containing calcium silicate products. Identifying this material in your work history, or asbestos fibers consistent with it in an analysis, helps connect your exposure to specific products and manufacturers. Because it was cut and fitted on the job, it produced airborne dust that affected both workers and bystanders.

Example Sentence

As a boilermaker he spent years sawing calcium silicate insulation to fit around steam pipes, creating clouds of asbestos dust.

Related Terms

Kaylo, Pipe Insulation, Amosite, Insulator, Product Identification, Bystander Exposure

Notes

• List every job and site where you worked with or near pipe and boiler insulation; product identification often turns on these details.
• Brand names like Kaylo help tie exposure to a specific manufacturer, note any you remember.
• Bystander exposure counts, mention if you worked near insulators even if you didn't handle the material yourself.