Asbestos/
Overview
Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals, which are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals. Each fiber is composed of many microscopic 'fibrils' that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and other processes. Asbestos is an excellent electrical insulator and is highly heat-resistant, so for many years it was used as a building material. However, it is now well-known that prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious illnesses, including mesothelioma and other types of lung cancer.
Types of Asbestos
There are six types of asbestos minerals, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite. Among these, chrysotile and amosite asbestos are the most common.
Chrysotile
Chrysotile, or white asbestos, is the most commonly used form of asbestos. It can be found today in the roofs, ceilings, walls and floors of homes and businesses. Manufacturers also used chrysotile asbestos in automobile brake linings, gaskets and boiler seals, and insulation for pipes, ducts and appliances.
Amosite
Amosite, or brown asbestos, was used most frequently in cement sheets and pipe insulation. It can also be found in insulating board, ceiling tiles and thermal insulation products.
Health Risks
When asbestos is disturbed, it releases tiny fibers that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. When these fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over years, these fibers can accumulate and cause inflammation and scarring that can lead to serious health problems, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Asbestos Ban and Regulation
Due to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, more than 60 countries have banned the use of asbestos. In the United States, the use of asbestos is heavily regulated by both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the EPA.
Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos abatement is the process of removing or minimizing asbestos materials within a structure. This process is usually performed by a professional asbestos abatement contractor and is done in a manner to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the surrounding environment.