What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a generic term used to describe several forms of naturally occurring silicate minerals. It has been used commercially since the early 1900’s and was finally banned in November of 1999. The material is extremely versatile, heat and chemical resistant and was one of the best building materials known to man. Asbestos is often used in heat and fire proofing and although the materials fibre release can cause many asbestos related lung cancers, asbestosis, mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases, it is an excellent insulation material.
The three most common types of asbestos are:
- Chrysotile (white) asbestos, used most commonly in asbestos corrugated garage roof sheets, asbestos roof tiles, asbestos cement flue pipes, asbestos artex, asbestos floor tiles, asbestos rope, asbestos gaskets and asbestos brake linings. Other products containing white asbestos are asbestos pipe insulation, asbestos gloves, asbestos fire blankets and asbestos ironing board, pipe lagging, Artex etc.
- Amosite (brown) asbestos, used in insulating board, Eternit toilet cisterns, pipe lagging, sprayed coatings etc.
- Crocidolite (blue) asbestos, used in cement products, pipe lagging, sprayed coatings etc.
Where does Asbestos come from?
Asbestos comes from mines all over the world and was imported from such places as: Russia, Turkey, Bolivia, Italy, Cyprus, Wales, China, Australia, Brazil, South America, Mexico, USA, Zimbabwe and South Africa.