The classic Zippo lighter became an American icon, especially after World War II. But for part of Zippo’s history, the wick inside the lighter was made with asbestos — a heat-resistant material that later became known for causing deadly diseases like mesothelioma.
In this Asbestos Artifacts episode, asbestos attorney Justinian C. Lane looks at a vintage Zippo asbestos wick and explains how the lighter worked, why asbestos was used, and how an ordinary consumer product became part of a much larger asbestos history.
You’ll learn:
• Why asbestos was used in lighter wicks
• How Zippo lighters became so popular
• What made asbestos attractive to manufacturers
• Why asbestos fibers are dangerous when inhaled
For more information about asbestos exposure and legal options, visit:
asbestosclaims.law/
This video is part of Asbestos Artifacts, a series from Asbestos Claims Law exploring old asbestos-containing products and the stories behind them.
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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.