Asbestos is a generic term for a group of naturally occurring minerals found in deposits throughout the world and are still mined in Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the former Soviet Union. Known for its strength, and flame, heat, and chemical resistance, asbestos has had many uses and can be found in many types of building materials. Asbestos was used in boiler and pipe insulation, plasters, floor and ceiling tile, electrical insulation and as a fireproofing material on structural components. It has also been sprayed on ceilings and walls as acoustical insulation.
There are two types of asbestos - Serpentine and Amphibole. The division between the two types is based upon their crystalline structure. Serpentines have a sheet or layered structure, where amphiboles have a chain-like structure.
As the only member of the serpentine group, Chrysotile is the most common type of asbestos found in buildings. Also known as "white asbestos," Chrysotile makes up approximately 90-95% of all asbestos contained in buildings in the United States.
In the amphibole group, there are five types of asbestos. Amosite, also called "brown asbestos", is the second most prevalent type of asbestos found in buildings. Next there is Crocidolite or "blue asbestos" which is found in specialized high temperature applications. The other three types (Anthophylite, Tremolite, and Actinolite) are rare and found mainly as contaminants in other minerals.
Even though the federal government placed a moratorium on the production of most asbestos products in the early 1970's, the installation of these products continued through the late 1970's and into the early 1980's.
Certain asbestos products such as asbestos brake pads are still produced today.
Why should you care?
To be a significant health concern, asbestos must be inhaled into the lungs. As long as asbestos containing materials are not damaged, the asbestos fibers do not become airborne and do not pose a health hazard. If you find that an asbestos containing item has been damaged, please contact our office for a hazard assessment.
Diseases that have been linked to asbestos exposure are Asbestosis, a scarring of the lung tissue, Mesothelioma, cancer of the pleural lining which is always fatal, and Lung Cancer. The time between exposure to asbestos and the occurrence of asbestos related diseases is 15 to 40 years.
Asbestos Operation Plan
Thermal Systems Insulation Procedures
Surfacing Materials Procedures
Miscellaneous Materials Procedures Part 1
Miscellaneous Materials Procedures Part 2
Miscellaneous Materials Procedures Part 3
Miscellaneous Materials Procedures Part 4
Clean-Up Procedures
Glossary
Asbestos standard for general industry
Asbestos standard for construction