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Calsilite (GAF)

Calsilite was a hard, lightweight insulation made of calcium silicate and asbestos. Ruberoid, and later GAF, made it from 1944 to 1971 as pipe covering and blocks for hot steam lines, boilers, tanks and other equipment running up to 1,250°F.1

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How it was used

Calsilite pipe covering came in three-foot half-sections that closed around a pipe, usually finished with a cotton or canvas jacket pasted on with silicate of soda. Flat blocks ran up to 36 inches long and 4 inches thick, and curved segments were made for large pipes and tanks.1 Insulators sawed and fitted both to every job, and tore them out again later, which is how pipe and block insulation put asbestos dust in the air.

When it was made

Ruberoid built its Calsilite plant in 1944, with the support of the federal government, which needed more shipboard insulation for the war. GAF believes all of the wartime production went to the U.S. Navy.1 The plant shut down briefly in June 1947, ran as an experimental pilot plant until March 1949, and then made Calsilite commercially until October 1971: first as Ruberoid, then as General Aniline & Film Corporation in 1967, then as GAF.1

Not every document agrees. An insurance company's 1981 list of asbestos products, compiled from other companies' answers in lawsuits, dates Calsilite from 1920 to 1972.2 GAF's own 1989 filing describes the plant being built in 1944.1

How much asbestos it contained

In 1989, GAF filed 52 Calsilite formulas with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, dated from 1943 to 1968, each giving its ingredients as a share of the product's dry weight.1 In most of them asbestos made up about 12% to 15% of the product. Some experimental batches from the 1947 pilot plant ran as high as 18.6%, and the last formulas, from late 1966 to 1968, about 7.5% to 9.5%.1 The insurer's 1981 list put Calsilite at 12% asbestos.2

The kind of asbestos changed over the years. The first wartime formulas used chrysotile alone. From 1944 most formulas combined chrysotile with amosite, and from late 1966 they list amosite alone.1 The rest of the product was mostly lime, silica sand or diatomaceous earth, clay, and recycled Calsilite scrap.1

How it changed

In 1964 Ruberoid stopped casting Calsilite in pans and switched to a "filter-press" process, which left screen marks on the surface.1 GAF says the formula was also adjusted often to suit the raw materials on hand, and that it doesn't have every formula or every production date.1

Ruberoid made two special versions. Calsilite-Hi, developed around 1960, could take temperatures up to 1,800°F.1 Calsilite SS, from the mid-to-late 1960s, was made for stainless steel piping, to keep the steel from corroding and cracking.1 It also sold a Calsilite insulating cement, a mix of chrysotile and ground-up Calsilite, until about 1960; its formulas list 45% to 55% chrysotile.1

Pictures

How Calsilite (GAF) looked: labels, photographs and catalog pages from our library. Each picture has its own page and library number, so it can be cited on its own.

Asbestos claims

If you or a family member worked with or around Calsilite (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 52 formulas documents give for Calsilite (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.

Calsilite 82 · 7/2/43; 3/2/44; 6/9/47

Constituent Amount
bentonitea 15.0
chrysotile (3R, 4M and 4T) 14.6
gypsum 6.7
lime 23.5
silica 33.5
silicate of sodab 6.7

a. Bentonite, an aluminum silicate type of montmorillionitic clay, was purchased from The American Colloid Company. KWK and Black Hills bentonite were the two main sources of supply circa 1954.

b. Sodium silicate, also referred to as "silicate of soda" or "water glass", was purchased from Philadelphia Quartz Co. in an N grade (1:3.22 ratio of sodium to silica).

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 41

Calsilite 82 NG · 7/8/43; 8/10/43; 8/13/43; 8/18/43; 8/21/43; 1/6/44; 3/2/44

Constituent Amount
bentonite 15.87
chrysotile (3R, 4M and 4T) 15.87
lime 25.52
silica 35.69
silicate of soda 7.05

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 41

Calsilite 23 · 5/10/44; Nov. 1944 - mid-1946

Constituent Amount
amosite (M1 and waste fiber) 5.93
bentonite 13.33
chrysotile (4M and 4T) 7.41
lime 20.74
plaster of paris 5.93
silica sand 140 mesha 29.63
silicate of soda 15.80

a. Silica sand also referred to as "silica flour" or "ground silica sand", was purchased from Pennsylvania Glass Sand Co. in Midville, NJ and possibly from South River Sand Co. in the same area. It was a very pure sand with very little staining from organic contaminants. 150 mesh silica sand was used in some pilot plant production (see formula nos. 13-15, below), and 120 mesh ground silica also was used in Calsilite* production at least in September and November of 1954. (See formula no. 23.)

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 41

Calsilite 23 NG82 · 5/10/44; Aug. 1946

Constituent Amount
asbestos (M1 and waste, amosite, 4M and 4T) 14.25
bentonite 14.25
lime 23.00
silica 31.75
silicate of soda 16.75

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 51

Calsilite 88 · Aug. - Oct. 1946

Constituent Amount
amosite (DS) 6.48
bentonite 13.50
chrysotile (4M) 7.02
pulverized limea 26.00
scrap 10.00
silica sand 37.00

a. Pulverized quicklime (CaO) was believed to have been purchased from Corrison Lime Co. or Warner Lime in Warner, PA. Pelletized (or "pebbled") quicklime also may have been used at times.

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 51

Calsilite 89 · 11/18/46 - 12/3/46

Constituent Amount
amosite (M1 and DS) 10.58
bentonite 12.75
chrysotile (4M) 1.80
pulverized lime 24.52
scrap 15.00
silica 34.98

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 51

Calsilite 88B · 12/30/46; Jan. 1947

Constituent Amount
asbestos 12.48
bentonite 12.48
lime 24.70
sand 38.72
scrap 11.44
silicate of soda .68

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 51

Calsilite 88B/85 · 4/7/47

Constituent Amount
amosite (M1 and DS) 10.88
bentonite 12.65
chrysotile (4T) 1.77
lime 25.32
sand 39.17
scrap 9.58
silicate of soda .68

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 51

Calsilite 116-C · Pilot plant (7/10/47; 7/14-15/47)

Constituent Amount
amosite (M1) 6.2
Celite FCa 6.5
chrysotile (3R and 4T) 12.4
pulverized quicklime 27.9
pulverized PHD (pressure hydrated dolomite) limeb 4.9
silica sand 42.1

a. Celite F.C., a Johns-Manville tradename for diatomaceous earth, was used in the Calsilite* formula at least in November 1954. (See Formula no. 23, below.) However, the trade name "Celite" also may have been used as a generic term for diatomaceous earth. Dicalite, the tradename for a fresh water type of diatomaceous earth from The Great Lakes Carbon Co.'s Nevada deposit, was also used in Calsilite* production. Processed Dicalite, to which sodium silicate had been added, may have been used, as well as unprocessed Dicalite. Some diatomaceous earth also may have been purchased from one or more other producers.

b. Ca(OH)2 Mg(OH)2. The composition, as used in Sept. 1947, was 30.65% MgO, 41.8% CaO, 25.41% H2O, and 2.14% miscellaneous constituents.

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 61

Calsilite 116-CP · Pilot plant (7/10/47; 7/14-15/47)

Constituent Amount
amosite (M1) 5.8
Celite FC 6.1
chrysotile (3R and 4T) 11.6
plaster of paris 6.2
pulverized quicklime 26.2
pulverized PHD lime 4.6
silica sand 39.5

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 61

Calsilite 116-C-2(116-CC-2-22) · Pilot plant (7/22-23/47)

Constituent Amount
amosite (M1) 8.94
chrysotile (3Z and 4T) 9.66
diatomaceous earth 6.51
PHD 4.89
pulverized lime 27.91
pulverized silica 42.09

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 61

Calsilite 116-CC-7-ES3 · Pilot plant (Sept. 1947 - March 1948)

Constituent Amount
amosite (M1) 5.57
chrysotile (3T, 3Z and 4T) 12.41
diatomaceous earth, uncalcined 6.29
magnesium sulphatea 3.37
PHD 4.94
pulverized quicklime 26.97
silica sand 140 mesh 40.45

a. Commercial grade epsom salts were used.

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 71

Calsilite 46-B-H · Pilot plant (circa 11/20/47)

Constituent Amount
Celite FC 42.47
chrysotile (3R and 4T) 15.16
pulverized quicklime 32.64
silica sand 150 mesh 9.73

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 71

Calsilite 46-D-H · Pilot plant (circa 11/20/47)

Constituent Amount
Celite FC 43.2
chrysotile (3R) 9.6
pulverized quicklime 32.8
silica sand 150 mesh 14.4

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 71

Calsilite 46-G · Pilot plant (circa 12/4/47)

Constituent Amount
Celite FC 50.40
chrysotile (3R) 9.60
pulverized quicklime 32.80
silica sand 150 mesh 7.20

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 71

Calsilite 118 · Pilot plant (circa March - April 1948)

Constituent Amount
amosite (M1) 2.91
Celite FC 12.56
chrysotile (3T, 3Z and 4T) 7.85
lime 27.80
magnesium sulphate 3.36
PHD 2.47
sand 140 mesh 34.08
scrap 8.97 (2.25 fiber)

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 71

Calsilite 118A · Pilot plant (3/23/48; 4/1/48)

Constituent Amount
amosite (M1) 3.92
Celite FC 11.92
chrysotile (3T, 3Z and 4T) 11.92
Cyclone dust (6.76) and scrap (2.24) 9.00 (2.25 fiber)
magnesium sulphate 3.36
PHD 2.46
pulverized quicklime 26.44
silica sand 140 mesh 34.06

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 81

Calsilite 118B · Pilot plant (4/1/48)

Constituent Amount
amosite (M1) 3.92
Celite FC 11.92
chrysotile (3T, 3Z and 4T) 8.84
Cyclone dust (4.1), Pangborn dust (1.75) and scrap (3.15) 9.00 (2.25 fiber)
magnesium sulphate 3.36
PHD 2.46
pulverized quicklime 26.44
silica sand 140 mesh 34.06

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 81

Calsilite 119B · Pilot plant (circa April - July 1948)

Constituent Amount
amosite (M1) 3.50
bentonite 4.98
Celite FC 10.54
chrysotile (3R, 3Z and 4T) 7.80
lime 23.54
magnesium sulphate 2.85
PHD 2.18
sand 30.27
scrap 14.35

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 81

Calsilite 119B-FC · Pilot plant (circa summer 1948) - 1954

Constituent Amount
amositea 3.78
bentonite 5.00
Celite FC 10.57
chrysotile (3R, 4T and 3Z) 8.49
magnesium sulphate 2.96
pressure-hydrated dolomite 2.19
pulverized quicklime 23.47
scrap 13.31
silica sand 140 mesh 30.23

a. M1 was used until at least Oct. 1951. A combination of M1 and W3 may have been used at certain times in 1952. MD may have been used in the Spring of 1953, and a combination of K3 and W3 used in late 1953.

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 81

Calsilite 46H · Pilot plant (circa 10/5/48)

Constituent Amount
chrysotile (3R) 9.64
diatomaceous earth 50.25
pulverized lime 32.75
pulverized silica 7.37

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 91

Calsilite 46-H-3 · Pilot plant (circa 10/14/48)

Constituent Amount
bentonite 4.18
chrysotile (3R and 4T) 11.13
diatomaceous earth 35.65
pulverized lime 33.70
silicate 1.85
silica soda 12.95

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 91

Calsilite 119-HS-510 and 119B-HS-510 · 1954 - 12/21/56; 2/8/57 - ?

Constituent Amount
amositea 4.08
bentonite 5.38
Celite FC 13.91
chrysotile (3R and 4T) 9.14
magnesium sulphate 3.19
pulverized quicklime 25.12
scrap 6.63
silica sand 140 mesh 32.55

a. The original amosite blend for this formula was of MD, K3 and W3. On June 28, 1954, the blend was changed to a blend of D11, K3 and W3. By November 20, 1956, the blend had been changed to D11, DX and W3.

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 91

Calsilite Modified 119-HS-510 · Jan. 1957

Constituent Amount
amosite 13.2
bentonite 5.4
Celite FC 13.9
magnesium sulphate 3.2
pulverized quicklime 25.1
scrap 6.65
silica sand 140 mesh 32.55

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 91

Calsilite XF-119-HS-510-P · Sept. 1957; Oct. 1957; Nov. 1957

Constituent Amount
amosite (D11, DX, W3, D3 and SW) 7.05
bentonite 5.16
Celite 13.93
chrysotile (3R and 4T) 6.19
magnesium sulphate 3.21
quicklime 25.21
scrap 6.59
silica sand 140 32.66

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 101

Calsilite XC-20 · Oct. 1961

Constituent Amount
amorphous silica (Tripoli)a 31.41
amosite (DX, D11 and AW) 9.41
bentonite 5.16
chrysotile (5R) 3.54
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite or Celatom)b 15.76
lime 34.72

a. Tripoli, also referred to as "pozzolano," was a volcanic ash.

b. Celatom is the tradename of diatomaceous earth purchased from Eagle Picher.

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 101

Calsilite XC-24 · Oct. 1961

Constituent Amount
amorphous silica (Tripoli) 19.75
amosite (DX, D11 and AW) 9.41
bentonite 4.94
chromite 2.48
chrysotile (5R) 3.54
diatomaceous earth 23.04
lime 31.57
limestone 5.27

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 101

Calsilite XC-25 · Oct. 1961; Jan. 1962

Constituent Amount
amorphous silica (Tripoli) 31.41
amosite (DX and D11) 6.78
China claya 5.16
chrysotile (4T-3 and 5R) 6.17
diatomaceous earth 15.76
lime 34.72

a. China clay, also referred to as kaolin clay, was a hydrous aluminum silicate purchased primarily from Georgia and South Carolina suppliers.

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 101

Calsilite XC-26 · Oct. 1961

Constituent Amount
amorphous silica (Tripoli) 33.40
amosite (DX and D11) 6.78
chrysotile (4T-3 and 5R) 6.17
diatomaceous earth 16.73
lime 36.92

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 111

Calsilite XC-34 · Circa 4/27/62

The document lists the constituents without amounts.

Constituent Amount
amorphous silica (Tripoli)
amosite (DX, D11 and AW)
bentonite (or China clay?)
chrysotile
diatomaceous earth
lime

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 111

Calsilite XC-51 · Nov. 1962

Constituent Amount
amorphous silica 24.10
amosite (D11, W3 and AW) 9.75
China clay 5.38
chrysotile (5R) 3.33
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite 677) 23.08
quicklime 34.36

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 111

Calsilite XC-55 · Dec. 1962; Mar. 1963

Constituent Amount
amorphous silica 27.41
amosite (D11 and W3) 10.15
#80 China clay 5.08
chrysotile (Johnson's or 5R) 3.81
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 19.29
quicklime 34.26

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 111

Calsilite XC-57 · Mar. 1963; April 1963

Constituent Amount
amorphous silica 27.16
amosite (W3) 11.42
#80 China clay 5.08
chrysotile (5R) 3.55
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 19.04
quicklime 33.75

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 111

Calsilite Filter Press Formula (FP 60?) · Circa 2/17/64

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3) 10.0
chrysotile (5R) 4.5
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 51.3
lime 34.2

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 111

Calsilite FP 61 · Circa 2/15/65

Constituent Amount
amorphous silica (Tripoli) 2.0833
amosite (W3) 9.375
chromite 2.0833
chrysotile (5R) 4.271
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 48.073
lime 32.031
sodium silicate (SS20) 2.0833

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 121

Calsilite FP 62 · Circa 2/15/65

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3) 9.574
chromite 2.1275
chrysotile (5R) 4.362
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 49.096
lime 32.731
sodium silicate (SS20) 2.1275

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 121

Calsilite FP 64 · Aug. 1965

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3) 9.57
China clay 1.06
chromite 2.13
chrysotile (5R) 4.36
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 49.10
lime 32.71
sodium silicate (SS20) 1.06

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 121

Calsilite FP 65 · Aug. 1965

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3) 9.66
China clay 1.07
chromite 2.15
chrysotile (5R) 4.40
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 49.52
lime 32.99
sodium silicate (SS20) .21

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 121

Calsilite FP 66 · Aug. 1965; Oct. 1965

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3) 9.67
China clay 1.07
chromite 2.15
chrysotile (5R) 4.41
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 49.60
lime 33.04
sodium nitrate .05

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 121

Calsilite FP 67 · Oct. 1965; Dec. 1965; Jan. 1966

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3) 9.57
clay 2.13
chromite 2.13
chrysotile (5R) 4.36
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 49.07
lime 32.70
sodium nitrate .05

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 131

Calsilite FP 70 · 3/9/66 - 3/22/66

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3) 8.74
China clay 2.17
chromite 2.17
chrysotile (5R) 3.42
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 50.80
lime 33.37
sodium nitrate .05

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 131

Calsilite FP 71 · 3/22/66 - 4/1/66

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3) 9.04
China clay 2.25
chromite 2.25
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 51.85
lime 34.55
sodium nitrate .06

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 131

Calsilite FP 72 · April 1966

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3) 8.82
China clay 2.19
chromite 2.19
chrysotile (5R) 4.46
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 50.55
lime 33.68
soda ash .11

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 131

Calsilite FP 76 · Aug. 1966; Sept. 1966

The document lists the constituents without amounts.

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3)
clay
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite)
lime
sodium nitrite

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 131

Calsilite FP 77 · 9/14/66 - 2/13/67

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3) 9.5
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 54.3
lime 36.2
sodium nitrite varied daily

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 141

Calsilite FP 78 · 2/13/67 - 5/13/67

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3) 9.0
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 54.6
lime 36.4

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 141

Calsilite FP 80 · 5/26/67 - 6/15/67; 10/27/67 - ?; 2/8/68 - 3/24/68

Constituent Amount
amositea 8.39
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 54.97
lime 36.64

a. W3 was used in early 1967; DX and K3 were used in 10/67.

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 141

Calsilite FP 81 · 6/15/67 - 7/20/67; 8/7/67 - 10/27/67

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3) 7.84
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 55.30
lime 36.86

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 141

Calsilite FP 82 · 7/20/67 - 8/7/67

Constituent Amount
amosite (W3) 7.57
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 55.46
lime 36.97

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 141

Calsilite FP 84 · 3/24/68 - May 1968

Constituent Amount
amosite (K3) 8.6
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 54.9
lime 36.5

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 141

Calsilite Inhibited Formula FP 100 · Mar. 1968; May 1968

Constituent Amount
amosite (K3) 9.44
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 45.85
lime 36.76
sodium silicate (SS20) 7.95

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 141

Calsilite Special Inhibited Formula · May 1968

Constituent Amount
amosite (K3) 9.56
diatomaceous earth (Dicalite) 44.10
lime 36.78
sodium silicate (SS20) 9.56

The mineral and chemical constituents and the weight of each constituent as a percentage of all solid constituents in Calsilite* production formulas (p. 3). GAF does not have a complete set of all the formulas nor complete information about production dates.

Source: GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989), p. 151

What each document says

Every statement about Calsilite (GAF) in the documents, in each document's own words.

GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (1989)

  • Made from: “in 1944 Ruberoid constructed a Calsilite* plant ... Some limited production of Calsilite* occurred prior to the plant's completion.”, p. 21
  • Made from: “manufactured on a commercial basis by Ruberoid beginning on March 7, 1949” (as of commercial production after the pilot plant period), p. 21
  • Change: “manufactured by a "pan-molding" method until 1964 when Ruberoid began using a "filter-press" method”, p. 31
  • Form: “pipecovering in three-foot lengths and varying thicknesses; half-sectional pieces and, at various times, three-segmental and regular segmental shapes; normally with standard weight cotton or canvas jackets applied with silicate of soda”, p. 21
  • Made until: “by GAF Corporation from 1968 to October, 1971”, p. 21
  • Description: “a lightweight, hard, calcium silicate insulation”, p. 21
  • Use: “all Calsilite* production during World War II was for the United States Navy” (as of World War II), p. 21
  • Description: “shut down temporarily in June, 1947; reopened July 10, 1947 and operated on a pilot plant basis until March 7, 1949”, p. 21
  • Change: “the Calsilite* formula was adjusted often in order to compensate for changes in the quality and availability of raw materials”, p. 31
  • Temperature limit: “up to 1250° F”, p. 21
  • Form: “Flat blocks in 18 or 36-inch lengths, widths from 3 to 36 inches, thicknesses up to 4 inches; six-inch wide curved segmental blocks; no T's, elbows or joints”, p. 31

The Travelers Insurance Company's Product Information Booklet for Its Asbestos Seminar (1980–1981)

  • Made from: “20”, p. 42
  • Asbestos content: “12”, p. 42
  • Form: “PIPE COVERING,BLOCK & CEMNT”, p. 42
  • Made until: “72”, p. 42
  • Description: “RUBEROID”, p. 42

Label: Ruberoid Calsilite Insulation (The Ruberoid Co.), Image

  • Sold from: “Date of First Use in Commerce: April 24, 1942”, said by The Ruberoid Company, as recorded by U.S. Patent Office trademark file3

Travelers Asbestos Products Printout, July 1981

  • Made from: “43”, p. 184
  • Description: “RUBEROID”, p. 184
  • Made until: “70”, p. 184
  • Asbestos content: “12”, p. 184
  • Form: “PIPECOVER,BLOCK”, p. 184

Asbestos; Publication of Identifying Information (1990)

  • Made from: “produced from approximately 1944 to June 1947 for the U.S. Navy”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 75
  • Made until: “from 1968 to October 1971 by GAF Corporation on a commercial basis”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 75
  • Temperature limit: “designed to withstand temperatures up to 1250 °F”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 75
  • Use: “produced ... for the U.S. Navy” (sales to U.S. Navy), said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 75
  • Change: “the Calsilite formula was adjusted often in order to compensate for changes in the quality and availability of raw materials”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 85
  • Description: “manufactured by a "pan-molding" method until 1964 when Ruberoid began using a "filter-press" method”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 75
  • Description: “a lightweight, hard, calcium silicate insulation”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 75
  • Form: “a pipe covering and block insulation”, said by GAF Building Materials Corporation, as recorded by U.S. EPA, Federal Register 55 FR (Feb. 13, 1990), p. 75

The Potter v. Fibreboard Case File (1969-1972), Answers to plaintiff's interrogatories

  • Made from: “manufactured since the late 1940's”, p. 16
  • Warning label: “Approximately five years ago the company began placing a warning on the packaging containing calsilite”, p. 46
  • Asbestos content: “contains 10% asbestos”, p. 16
  • Form: “packaged pre cut in various lengths and is attached by the use of a metal band”, p. 76
  • Ingredient: “diatamaceous earth and Hydrous Lime Silicate”, p. 16
  • Form: “A high Timberate pipe covering and Block”, p. 16

The Borel v. Fibreboard Case File (1969-1972), Answers to interrogatories

  • Made from: “manufactured since the late 1940's”, p. 17
  • Warning label: “CAUTION "This product contains asbestos fiber! Inhalation of asbestos in excessive quantities over long periods of time may be harmful. If dust is created when this product is handled, avoid breathing the dust. If adequate ventilation control is not possible, wear respirators approved by the U.S. Bureau of Mines for pneumoconiosis producing dust."”, p. 47
  • Use: “packaged pre cut in various lengths and is attached by the use of a metal band”, p. 77
  • Asbestos content: “contains 10% asbestos and the balance is composed of diatamaceous earth and Hydrous Lime Silicate”, p. 17
  • Description: “A high Timberate pipe covering and Block”, p. 17

Asbestos Magazine, 1960, September 1960

  • Made from: “Ruberoid's regular Calsilite”, p. 228
  • Use: “high temperature steam lines and equipment”, p. 228
  • Temperature limit: “designed for use on high temperature steam lines and equipment up to 1250°F.”, p. 228

Asbestos Magazine, 1964, October 1964

  • Made from: “a new pressure-molded "Calsilite" thermal insulation”, p. 249
  • Form: “a new pressure-molded "Calsilite" thermal insulation”, p. 249

Military Qualified Products List (1951–1995)

  • Description: “qualified under QPL-2781 as CALSILITE, Grade I Class a, Grade II Class d, Grade III Class e (QPL-2781-1)” (as of 1951-12-03), p. 210
  • Made at: “Plant: Gloucester City, N. J.” (as of 1951-12-03) (the plant: Gloucester City, New Jersey), p. 210
  • Description: “qualified under QPL-2781 as Calsilite, Grade I, Class b, listed under GAF Corp. (QPL-2781-35)” (as of 1968-09-25), p. 10210
  • Description: “qualified under QPL-2781 as Calsilite, Grade III, Class e, Type I (QPL-2781-36)” (as of 1969-05-27), p. 10710
  • Description: “10% amosite, 20% chrysotile pipe covering” (as of 1940s, 1970s), p. 6411

Kind of product

We list Calsilite (GAF) with pipe covering and block insulation and insulating cement and coatings, from how the documents describe its form. Those pages explain how such products exposed workers.

Trades that worked with products like it: Insulators and Insulation Workers, Pipefitters and Plumbers, Boilermakers.

Other pipe covering and block insulation by GAF (4)

Watcocell · Imperial · Air Cell · Gaf Hylo

Pipe covering and block insulation by other makers (270)

Thermobestos · Superex (Johns-Manville) · Careytemp (Philip Carey) · Kaylo (Owens-Corning) · Unibestos (Union Asbestos & Rubber Co.) · Asbestos Sponge Felt (Ruberoid) · Atlasite (Atlas Asbestos) · Best Felt (Armstrong Cork) · Best Felt (Keasbey & Mattison) · Bestfelt (Nicolet) · Cal Temp (Pabco Products) · Calcium Silicate (Unarco) · Calsilite (Ruberoid) · Calsilite-H1 (Ruberoid) · Caltemp (Fibreboard) · Caltemp Cement (Fibreboard) · Caltherm (Fibreboard) · Caposil 1400 (Cape Asbestos) · Caposite (Holmes Foundry) · Caposite Plus (Cape Insulation) · and 250 more: all pipe covering and block insulation

Other insulating cement and coatings by GAF (4)

115 · Coverkote · 313 · Single Cote

Insulating cement and coatings by other makers (320)

Thermobestos · Superex (Johns-Manville) · Asbestile (Johns-Manville) · 85 Magnesia (Johns-Manville) · Prasco (Fibreboard) · Btu Cement (Philip Carey) · Buck Stay (Combustion Engineering) · C-10 (Bigelow-Liptak) · C-13-A (Flintkote) · C-18 (Bigelow-Liptak) · C-19 (Flintkote) · Calcrete 30 (Combustion Engineering) · Caltemp (Fibreboard) · Caposil (Cape Asbestos) · Careytemp 2000 (Philip Carey) · Careytemp Asbestos Cement (Philip Carey) · Casing (Combustion Engineering) · Castablock (Combustion Engineering) · Cominco Finishing (United States Mineral Wool) · Decoralt Coatings (Flintkote) · and 300 more: all insulating cement and coatings

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

  1. GAF Asbestos Information Act Submission (October 6, 1989), pp. 2–15, 31.
  2. The Travelers Insurance Company's Product Information Booklet for Its Asbestos Seminar (1980–1981) (April 30, 1981), p. 4.
  3. Label: Ruberoid Calsilite Insulation (The Ruberoid Co.), Image.
  4. Travelers Asbestos Products Printout, July 1981 (July 1, 1981), p. 18.
  5. Asbestos; Publication of Identifying Information (February 13, 1990), p. 7.
  6. The Potter v. Fibreboard Case File (1969-1972), Answers to plaintiff's interrogatories (December 23, 1969), p. 1.
  7. The Borel v. Fibreboard Case File (1969-1972), Answers to interrogatories (April 17, 1970), p. 1.
  8. Asbestos Magazine, 1960, September 1960 (September 1, 1960), p. 22.
  9. Asbestos Magazine, 1964, October 1964 (October 1, 1964), p. 24.
  10. Military Qualified Products List (1951–1995) (December 3, 1951), p. 2.
  11. Sourcebook on Asbestos Diseases: Medical, Legal, and Engineering Aspects, Volume Two (1986), p. 64. Not yet published in our library.

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