1. ASBESTOS FIBER

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

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

8. 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

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

10. 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

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

12. 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