transite

Transite is a historical trade name used for asbestos-cement products manufactured by various companies in the 20th century. The term is commonly linked with asbestos-cement pipes, siding, and related building materials and is often encountered in historical construction documents and home renovation contexts.

Composition and manufacture: Transite products consisted of Portland cement bonded with asbestos fibers to form a rigid, durable composite. The asbestos content ranged by product and era, with chrysotile the most common fiber type. The cement matrix provided fire resistance and structural rigidity, while the embedded fibers offered reinforcement.

Applications: Transite was used for water and sewer pipes, ductwork, roofing and siding panels, and backer boards in kitchens and bathrooms. Its combination of low cost, durability, and ease of manufacture made it widely adopted in residential, commercial, and industrial construction.

Health and safety and regulation: Asbestos-containing products pose inhalation risks, with diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer linked to exposure. Beginning in the mid-20th century, many jurisdictions introduced regulatory controls on asbestos use and handling. From the 1970s onward, production of new asbestos-containing building products declined, and many transite products were discontinued or replaced with non-asbestos alternatives. Demolition and renovation of older structures commonly require asbestos assessment and licensed abatement, with proper disposal of asbestos-containing waste.

Legacy: Older buildings may still contain transite components. Management strategies include encapsulation, enclosure, or professional removal as required by local regulations.

See also: asbestos cement; mesothelioma; asbestos regulation.