ASBESTOS FIBER

Asbestos: Description Asbestos is a generic term for a group of six mineral silicates Three are used more commonly: Chrysotile - white asbestos asbestos cloth and cement products Amosite - brown asbestos heat insulation and pipe lagging Crocidolite - blue asbestos very high temperature and acid resistant purposes

Asbestos which occur in a fibrous crystalline form Asbestos which occur in a fibrous crystalline form. The asbestos is initially crushed to open up the fiber mass, followed by carding and spinning to yield fibers of circular cross section with 1-30 cm in length.

Properties of Asbestos Asbestos fibers are: Very strong Highly flexible Non-biodegradable Environmentally persistent Asbestos is very resistant to heat and burning Good resistance to acids and alkalies, Excellent resistance against chemicals.

Properties of Asbestos It does not deteriorate in normal usage, It is not attacked by insects or microorganisms. It is used in fireproof clothing, conveyor belts, It is used in brake linings, gaskets, industrial packing, electrical windings, Good insulations properties Good soundproofing properties. Inhaled asbestos fibres have been shown to be a serious health hazard, and it has been removed from the textiles market.

Actinolite, Amosite, Anthophyllite, Crocidolite, Richterite, Tremolite Asbestos: Types Serpentine (93% of commercial use) Amphibole (7% of commercial use) Chrysotile Actinolite, Amosite, Anthophyllite, Crocidolite, Richterite, Tremolite

Asbestos Products Asbestos was generally processed as: Fibrous Textile sprayed preformed Textile woven wound Mixed with a binder

Asbestos: Occurrence in the United States (continued) Today: Exists in older homes and commercial buildings problematic when loose, crumbling, or disturbed Today: Still used in brake pads, clutches, roofing material, vinyl tiles, and some cement pipes

Asbestos Exposure Pathways Most common exposure pathway: Inhalation of fibers Minor pathways: Ingestion Dermal contact

When is Asbestos a hazard Respirable Fibre less than 3 microns in diameter longer than 5 microns with a length to diameter ratio greater than 3:1

Health effects The body cannot breakdown asbestos fibres. Three primary diseases associated with asbestos exposure Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Asbestosis

Asbestos and your health The potential for harm depends on: fiber size and type length of exposure concentration of Respirable fibres individual susceptibility influence of other factors