Bowling has been a popular pastime for generations, bringing friends and families together for recreation, competition, and fun. What few people realize, however, is that some of the bowling balls used in the mid-20th century contained a hidden danger: asbestos.
As part of our continuing “Asbestos In…” series, this article explores how asbestos made its way into bowling balls, the potential health risks for players and shop workers, and what you can do today to stay safe.
How Asbestos Was Used in Bowling Balls
During the 1960s and 1970s, manufacturers began experimenting with different materials to improve the performance and durability of bowling balls. Plastic bowling balls often included filler materials to make them denser and more balanced. Unfortunately, some companies used asbestos-containing dust as a cheap and readily available filler.
This asbestos dust came from industrial sources, including leftover brake pad materials. When mixed with resins inside the core of the bowling ball, it gave the ball extra weight and hardness. At the time, few people understood the dangers of asbestos exposure, and these materials were used without warning labels or safety precautions.
The real risk came when pro shop workers drilled finger holes or resurfaced the bowling balls. This process could release fine asbestos fibers into the air, where they could easily be inhaled. Once airborne, these fibers posed a serious health hazard for anyone nearby.
Health Risks Linked to Asbestos in Bowling Balls
Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can remain in the lungs for decades once inhaled. Over time, they can cause severe and sometimes fatal illnesses such as:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
- Asbestosis: Scarring of lung tissue that leads to chronic coughing and difficulty breathing.
- Lung Cancer: A higher risk for those exposed to asbestos over long periods or who smoke.
Drilling into asbestos-filled bowling balls or working with them in enclosed areas greatly increased the danger. The more often workers handled or modified these balls, the more exposure they likely received.
Even bowlers who did not drill or repair their own equipment could have been indirectly exposed to airborne fibers inside pro shops or lanes where asbestos-containing dust lingered.
Why Bowling Manufacturers Used Asbestos
At first glance, using asbestos in a bowling ball may seem reckless, but during the mid-20th century, asbestos was considered a practical industrial material. Manufacturers used it because:
- It was inexpensive and easy to obtain as a byproduct from other industries.
- Its fibrous structure helped strengthen composite materials.
- It provided weight and density without significantly increasing production costs.
- The health dangers of asbestos were not fully recognized or regulated at the time.
Because the use of asbestos was so widespread across industries, it was not unusual for companies to incorporate it into consumer products, including sporting goods, without understanding the long-term consequences.
Recognizing Vintage Bowling Balls That May Contain Asbestos
If you own or collect vintage bowling balls, it is important to know the signs that could indicate asbestos content. Here are a few things to look for:
- Manufacture Year: Balls made between the 1960s and early 1980s may contain asbestos.
- Material Type: Plastic composite or early resin models are more likely to have filler materials.
- Visible Dust: When drilling or sanding old bowling balls, fine white or gray dust may appear.
- Lack of Labeling: Older equipment rarely included full material disclosures or warnings.
If you suspect your ball might contain asbestos, do not drill into it or sand its surface. Instead, contact a certified asbestos testing service for verification. Testing is the only way to be certain.
Safe Handling and Preventive Measures
If you handle or work with older bowling balls, especially in pro shops or collections, always follow basic safety precautions:
- Avoid Dry Drilling or Sanding: Use wet methods to reduce dust.
- Wear Protective Gear: Use respirators, gloves, and protective clothing to minimize exposure.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas to prevent buildup of airborne fibers.
- Dispose Safely: Do not throw potentially contaminated equipment in regular trash. Contact local hazardous waste disposal services.
- Replace Vintage Balls: When possible, switch to modern bowling balls that are asbestos-free.
Modern bowling balls are made with safe materials such as urethane, reactive resin, or particle-based composites. These provide superior performance without any risk of asbestos exposure.
A Final Reminder
Asbestos in bowling balls might sound surprising, but it is yet another example of how this mineral found its way into everyday products. From fake snow and film props to construction materials and now sports equipment, asbestos was once everywhere.
Awareness is the first step toward prevention. By learning about where asbestos was used and how to handle older materials safely, you can protect yourself and those around you from potential harm.
Asbestos in Fake Snow