Q.What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals. It is mined and milled from rock and is thin and strong. Chrysotile (white asbestos), Amosite (brown asbestos), and Crocidolite (blue asbestos), are the most common types of asbestos used in manufacturing. Rarer forms are Tremolite, Anthophyllite, and Actinolite. When viewed under a microscope, Chrysotile fibers are pliable and cylindrical and are often arranged in bundles, whereas Amosite and Chrocidolite fibers appear to look like tiny needles.
Q. Is one type of asbestos more dangerous than another?
There have been more cases of Mesothelioma and cancer found in people working with Crocidolite than any other type of asbestos. However, all forms of asbestos, except Chrysotile, are of the same mineralogical family called Amphiboles. Even though there appear to be fewer incidences of disease in workers who deal only with Chrysotile, all asbestos forms are believed to carry similar risks.
Q. Where does asbestos come from?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and deposits of it can be found in most countries around the world. Most asbestos comes from the former Soviet Union, Canada, South Africa and Australia.
Q. How is asbestos mined?
Asbestos is mined from the ground usually by open-pit method. The raw material is very coarse and looks like old wood. The raw material is processed and refined into fluffy fibers. The fibers are added to a binding agent, like cement, to form an asbestos containing material.
Q. Why has asbestos been so widely used?
Asbestos appeals to manufactures and builders for a variety of reasons. Asbestos is heat and chemical resistant, doesn’t corrode, and performs well in insulating products. In addition being heat and chemical resistant, the flexibility of asbestos fibers allows them to be woven and used in many industrial applications. Few materials used for manufacturing, have all of these characteristics, which makes asbestos a popular choice for use in thermal, chemical, and fire-resistant applications.
Q. How many products contain asbestos?
It has been estimated that 3,000 different types of commercial products contain asbestos. In homes built prior to 1978, asbestos is most commonly found as thermal insulation on boilers and pipes. Unfortunately, it can also be found in many other household materials, which include:
- Attic insulation (blown in and sometimes vermiculite insulation) can contain asbestos
- Vinyl floor tiles - usually 9" X 9" tiles contain asbestos, but all tile should be tested to be sure
- Textured ceilings
- Glue that attaches floor tiles to concrete or wood (also called "mastic")
- Some forms of linoleum
- Window caulking or glazing
- Roofing materials
- HVAC duct insulation (usually found in corrugated or flat paper form)
- Siding material
- Plaster
- Fiber cement siding (usually 1/8” thick and 8’ X 4’, brittle)
- Corrugated heavy duty panels
- Boiler Lagging
- Hot water pipe insulation
Q. How long has asbestos been in use?
Asbestos was first used in the United States in the early 1900’s, to insulate steam engines but was not used extensively until the 40’s. After World War II, and for the next thirty years, schools and other public buildings were built using asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Primarily, ACM was use as fireproofing, insulation, soundproofing and decoration.
Q. How might I be exposed to asbestos fibers?
Asbestos can enter the environment from natural mineral deposits which have been exposed to the weather, and fiber releases arising from the application, disturbance and removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Asbestos may be found in products such as floor tiles, roof shingles, exterior siding, cement, automotive brakes, acoustical and structural insulation, etc. Asbestos fibers can be released into the air when ACM becomes damaged. If friable ACM (material that can be crumbled by hand pressure) is disturbed and becomes airborne, an inhalation hazard may result. Asbestos fibers in non-friable ACM (i.e. floor tiles, sidings, laboratory desktops, etc.) are so tightly bound in the material that they are in, that they do not easily release fibers. However, if the material is abraded, sanded or sawed, the material can easily be rendered friable.
Q. What type of respiratory protection should be used when working with Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM)?
You will need a respirator that is equipped with a High Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) filter. These filters are magenta colored. There are various factors that determine the type of respirator you need. To learn more about the respirators and what would best suit your situation, visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's website.