Asbestos paper was one of the basic products of The Ruberoid Co. and GAF, designed, in the company's words, "to be used alone or in the manufacture of other products," and made in various thicknesses to customer specifications.1 GAF's 1989 filing with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Asbestos Information Act, made for itself and The Ruberoid Co., says its asbestos paper, millboard and laminated products were made by Ruberoid from 1928 to 1967, by General Aniline & Film Corporation in 1967, and by GAF Corporation from 1968 to 1981.1,2 Those dates are given for the whole group of paper and millboard products.1
You don't need the product names or old records. No fee unless we recover compensation for your family.
What it was made of
GAF said the paper's primary constituent was chrysotile asbestos, generally a mixture of grades 5 to 7.1,2 Its other constituents included sulphite pulp, diatomaceous earth and starch, although in the early years it may have been made only of chrysotile and starch, sometimes in the form of tapioca.1,2 The paper had a temperature limit of 250 degrees F.1,2
The filing also sets out formulas for many grades of Ruberoid's papers and felts from about 1938 to 1940: electrical paper, commercial paper, papers of several calipers, asbestos felts, sponge felt, felt for pipe cover, and asbestos for corrugating.2 Later formulas, dated 1960 and 1968 to 1981, cover its commercial papers, among them a Lo-Organic Paper dated 1975 to 1981.2
Related: Corrugated asbestos paper.
Asbestos claims
If you or a family member worked with or around Asbestos paper (GAF) and later developed mesothelioma or another asbestos disease, a claim may be paid by the G-I Holdings (GAF) asbestos trust. Free case review.
The formulas
The 26 formulas documents give for Asbestos paper (GAF), each with its ingredients and amounts exactly as printed. Amounts are by weight unless the document says otherwise; a total that doesn't come to 100 is the document's own.
Commercial Asbestos Paper, 43A - Code 011 and Code 011U for Untreated Paper · Circa 7/24/39
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 96.8% |
| tapioca | 3.2% |
| enzymesa | 59 cc - Trace |
| 5AC wax coatingb | Trace |
a. GAF does not know the specific type or source of these enzymes.
b. GAF knows nothing about this constituent except its name as shown.
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 182
10 - 12# Asbestos Paper - Code 011 · Circa 9/15/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 97.0% |
| stayco | 2.9% |
| 5AC wax coating | Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 182
10 - 12# Asbestos Paper - Code 011U · Circa 9/15/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 96.8% |
| tapioca | 3.2% |
| enzymes | 59 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 182
1/16" Asbestos Paper - Code 011U · Circa 10/31/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 98.4% |
| tapioca | 1.6% |
| enzymes | 29.5 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 192
.050 Asbestos Felt - Code 021 · Circa 11/3/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 99.9% |
| tapioca | .9% |
| enzymes | 12 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 192
.010 Special Asbestos Paper - Code 051 · Circa 9/26/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 98.9% |
| tapioca | 1.1% |
| enzymes | 24 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 192
.010 and .015 Asbestos Electric Paper - Code 041 · Circa 9/26/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 88.0% |
| sulphite | 8.8% |
| tapioca | 3.2% |
| enzymes | 56 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 192
.031 -.036 Special Asbestos Paper · Circa 11/3/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 98.9% |
| tapioco | 1.1% |
| enzymes | 16 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 192
#6 Asbestos for Corrugating - Code 200 · Circa 8/8/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 92.1% |
| bleached sulphite | 1.8% |
| tapioca | 6.1% |
| enzymes | 118 cc - Trace |
| Bennett sizea | unknown - Trace |
a. GAF knows nothing about this constituent except its name as shown.
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 192
#6 Asbestos for Corrugating - Code 200 · Circa 9/15/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 92.1% |
| bleached sulphite | 1.8% |
| tapioca | 6.1% |
| enzymes | 118 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 202
5-1/2 lb. Asbestos for Corrugating - Code 200 · Circa 2/8/40
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 92.1% |
| bleached sulphite | 1.8% |
| tapioca | 6.1% |
| enzymes | Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 202
6# Asbestos Sponge Felt - Code 511 · Circa 7/19/39
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 76.6% |
| sulphite tailings | 10.0% |
| sponge | 6.7% |
| tapioca | 6.7% |
| enzymes | 118 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 202
6# Asbestos for Corrugating - Code 512 · Circa 9/26/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 91.3% |
| sulphite tailings | 1.8% |
| tapioca | 5.4% |
| Bennett size | 1.5% |
| enzymes | 103 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 202
6# Aristo Asbestos Felt, for Pipe Cover - Code 512 · Circa 9/26/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 88.9% |
| sulphite tailings | 1.8% |
| tapioca | 4.9% |
| Bennett size | 4.4% |
| enzymes | 98 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 202
.026 - .038 Caliper Asbestos Paper - Code 575 · Circa 11/22/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 98.3% |
| tapioca | 1.7% |
| enzymes | 29.5 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 202
.035 - .041 Caliper Asbestos Paper - Code 581 · Circa 11/23/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 98.4% |
| tapioca | 1.6% |
| enzymes | 29.5 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 212
.039 - .044 Caliper Asbestos Paper - Code 582 · Circa 11/22/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 98.3% |
| tapioca | 1.7% |
| enzymes | 29.5 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 212
10# Asbestos Felt, 36" wide - Code 602 · Circa 9/25/39
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 89.9% |
| sulphite | 6.3% |
| tapioca | 3.8% |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 212
10# Asbestos Felt - Code 602 · Circa 9/25/39
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 89.9% |
| sulphite | 6.3% |
| tapioca | 3.8% |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 212
20# Asbestos Felt, 36" wide - Code 603 · Circa 10/20/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 85.1% |
| felt | 12.1% |
| tapioca | 2.3% |
| enzymes | 35.5 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 212
16# Asbestos Felt, 36" wide - Code 604 · Circa 10/3/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 92.1% |
| bleached sulphite | 9.9% |
| tapioca | 3.0% |
| enzymes | 53 cc - Trace |
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 212
23-25.0# Asbestos Felt 36" wide - Code 561 · Circa 11/3/38
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 79.2% |
| dry felt | 7.9% |
| wood floura | 11.9% |
| tapioca | 1.0% |
| enzymes | 16 cc - Trace |
a. GAF knows nothing about this constituent except its name as shown.
Derived from documents dated during the period 1938-1940; GAF does not have a complete set of formulas for that period nor complete information about production dates (p. 18).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 222
E-500 and 501 Commercial Paper (Regular) · 1969-81
Also known as Roll & Tape; Commercial 6# - 16#.
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 89.0 ± 4.0% |
| bleached sulphitea | 4.5 ± 2.0% |
| Celiteb | 4.5 ± 2.0% |
| starch | 2.5 ± 2.0% |
| burtonitec (often used) | Traces not exceeding .5% |
| borax (occasionally used) | Traces not exceeding .5% |
a. Bleached sulphite is wood pulp bleached white. Kraft may have been a name used for this product at other companies. Brown sulphite is unbleached wood pulp.
b. Celite is a Johns-Manville tradename for diatomaceous earth.
c. Burtonite is a trade name for a guar gum plant product formerly manufactured by the Burton J. Greenstreet Co. in Texas. Today, this product is more commonly known as Lycoid MD-7A.
Derived from examinations of thousands of "Beater Furnish Reports" and "Commodity Specification and Cost Sheets"; each percentage is an average of all available reports for the product, with the range of variation from the average as a plus or minus factor (p. 16).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 172
E-501 Lo-Organic Paper · 1975-81
Also known as Roll & Tape.
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 99.0 ± 1.0% |
| starcha | 1.0 ± 1.0% |
| burtonite | Traces not exceeding 1.0% |
a. Starch is uncooked or partially cooked anionic modified corn starch. Tapioca was used through the 1930's, but by 1940 starch had replaced tapioca as a constituent.
Derived from examinations of thousands of "Beater Furnish Reports" and "Commodity Specification and Cost Sheets"; each percentage is an average of all available reports for the product, with the range of variation from the average as a plus or minus factor (p. 16).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 172
E-500 Commercial Paper (with whiting) · 1968, 1969
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 86.0 ± 3.0% |
| bleached or brown sulphite | 5.0 ± 3.0% |
| whitinga | 4.0 ± 1.0% |
| Celite | 4.0 ± 1.0% |
| starch | Traces not exceeding 2.0% |
a. Whiting is ground limestone.
Derived from examinations of thousands of "Beater Furnish Reports" and "Commodity Specification and Cost Sheets"; each percentage is an average of all available reports for the product, with the range of variation from the average as a plus or minus factor (p. 16).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 172
E-500 Commercial Paper (with whiting) · 1960
| Constituent | Amount |
|---|---|
| chrysotile | 89.6 ± 1.0% |
| bleached sulphite | 2.0% |
| starch | 2.3 ± 1.0% |
| whiting | 4.1% |
| Save alla | 2.0% |
| burtonite | Traces not exceeding 1% |
| borax | Traces not exceeding 1% |
a. Save all is water enriched with chrysotile and other formula constituents collected during the production process and reused in subsequent productions.
Derived from examinations of thousands of "Beater Furnish Reports" and "Commodity Specification and Cost Sheets"; each percentage is an average of all available reports for the product, with the range of variation from the average as a plus or minus factor (p. 16).
Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 182
What each document says
Every statement about Asbestos paper (GAF) in the documents, in each document's own words.
Asbestos; Publication of Identifying Information (1990)
- Made from: “produced by Ruberoid from 1928 to 1967 ... and by GAF Corporation from 1968 to 1981”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 81
- Made until: “produced by Ruberoid from 1928 to 1967 ... and by GAF Corporation from 1968 to 1981”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 81
- Fiber grade: “generally a mixture of grades 5 to 7”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 81
- Ingredient: “sulphite pulp, diatomaceous earth, and starch”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 81
- Asbestos fiber: “Its primary constituent was chrysotile asbestos”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 81
- Temperature limit: “a temperature limit of 250 °F”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 81
- Description: “designed to be used alone or in the manufacture of other products ... manufactured in various thicknesses, according to customer specifications”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 81
GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989)
- Made from: “manufactured by Ruberoid from 1928” (as of asbestos paper, millboard and laminated products), p. 162
- Asbestos fiber: “Its primary constituent was chrysotile asbestos, generally a mixture of grades 5 to 7.”, p. 162
- Fiber grade: “generally a mixture of grades 5 to 7”, p. 162
- Temperature limit: “a temperature limit of 250 degrees F”, p. 162
- Made until: “by GAF Corporation from 1968 to 1981” (as of asbestos paper, millboard and laminated products), p. 162
Travelers Asbestos Products Printout, July 1981
Sourcebook on Asbestos Diseases: Medical, Legal, and Engineering Aspects, Volume Two
- Description: “Asbestos Paper (listed, product not given)”, p. 584
Kind of product
We list Asbestos paper (GAF) with gaskets and packing, from how the documents describe its form. That page explains how such products exposed workers.
Trades that worked with products like it: Pipefitters and Plumbers, Millwrights, Machinists, and Industrial Mechanics.
Other gaskets and packing by GAF (1)
Gaskets and packing by other makers (210)
Sal-mo (Nicolet) · Flexatallic (Flexatalic Gasket Corp.) · Jewett (Johns-Manville) · Spirotallic (Johns-Manville) · Aztec (Asbestos Textile Co.) · Asbesteel (Faul & Timmins) · Asbestext (Asbestos Textile Co.) · Asbestopac (Victor) · Asbestopak (Felt Products Mfg. Co.) · Asbestoprene (Victor Products) · Asbestoprene (Victor) · Asbestos (Nicolet) · Asbestos Sheet (Garlock) · Aubeston (Aubern) · Azkem (Harco Chemical) · Battleship (Keasbey & Mattison) · BB (British Belting & Asbestos) · Bellowseal (Johns-Manville) · Bestolite (Stuart Brown) · Bison (Beldam Packing & Rubber Company) · and 190 more: all gaskets and packing
See also
- GAF: the company's history, documents, people, products and plants
- GAF on our products page: what the documents say about the company's asbestos products, with sources
References
- Asbestos; Publication of Identifying Information (February 13, 1990), p. 8.
- GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (October 6, 1989), pp. 16–22.
- Travelers Asbestos Products Printout, July 1981 (July 1, 1981), p. 18.
- Sourcebook on Asbestos Diseases: Medical, Legal, and Engineering Aspects, Volume Two (1986), p. 58. Not yet published in our library.
Cite this page
“Asbestos paper (GAF).” AsbestosClaims.Law Library. https://asbestosclaims.law/library/products/gaf-asbestos-paper.
ACL Doc numbers and their short links never change. See how to cite the Library.
Talk with an asbestos lawyer
Start with what you remember, and we'll take it from there.
This page is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every asbestos case turns on its own facts, exposure history, diagnosis, deadlines, available evidence, and applicable law. Reviewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, call 833-4-ASBESTOS for a free case review.