Picture of asbetos

Exposure to asbestos is a major health concern. In order to safeguard the public, it is necessary to recognize where one is likely to find asbestos, identify its presence, and if the material has been compromised, arrange for safe removal or repair.

Naturally occurring asbestos, a fibrous mineral, exists in several different forms. Common types are white asbestos known as chrysotile, and brown asbestos or amosite. The chrysotile fibers are curly; those in amosite are straight and resemble rods or needles. The mineral was widely used in manufacturing because of a number of desirable properties, including being incombustible and resistant to chemicals.

Due to its ability to withstand heat and fire, asbestos became popular in a diverse range of products such as building insulation, pipe insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, siding, roofing, brake linings, firewall and fire curtains. Most countries now have laws forbidding the use of the asbestos in manufacturing, but that legislation has only come about in the last 20 to 40 years. Particularly in buildings constructed in the middle of the previous century, asbestos-containing materials abounded.

Due to the vast array of products containing asbestos, identification is nontrivial. Experts can recognize products that contain asbestos, but detection of the presence of asbestos fibers requires laboratory testing. Asbestos fibers present a health risk to humans when the microscopic fibers become airborne and are inhaled into the lungs. Much of the manufacturing involving asbestos included the use of a bonding compound, immobilizing the fibers such that they present less of a danger.

Of greatest concern are materials containing asbestos that are in disrepair and crumbling, prone to produce a fine dust. Examples would include broken ceiling tiles, or fireproofing or insulation that was sprayed onto a building surface. Such dangers should be handled by trained professionals following government mandated procedures.