What is Asbestos?
Many people hear the term Asbestos, but are unaware of what is being discussed. What is Asbestos? The term “Asbestos” refers to six natural mineral fibres, frequently used in commercial products. It exists in hundreds of countries on almost every continent. These fibres are categorized into two groups, named serpentine and amphibole. Serpantine asbestos, often a curly form, contains only one type of the mineral, called chrysotile, which accounts for about 95% of all asbestos use. The amphibole group, which is straight and needle-like, contains the other five types.
What is Asbestos? Where can it be Found?
“ What is asbestos? Where does it come from?” is a very common question. Asbestos can be found in just about every location on the planet. Most mountainous regions contain substantial amounts of naturally occurring asbestos, including those in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, China, and Zimbabwe. Of all of these, only China’s mining operations continue to expand, but is primarily produced for internal use. Chrysotile asbestos production remains heavy in Canada, which supplied 89 percent of asbestos used in the US from 2002 to 20005. Canadian experts approximate that the mineral is present in about two thirds of the earth’s crust.
What is Asbestos? Why is Asbestos Used?
Asbestos is highly resistant to heat and flame. For this reason, asbestos has been highly sought out and used in both commercial and domestic products. Asbestos is also not very conductive of electricity. Asbestos fibres are highly versatile, as they are very fine and very flexible. The fibres are often spun into thread to be woven into a fireproof cloth that is very difficult to tear. This cloth also works excellently as an insulator. Asbestos cloth has been used to insulate houses, cars, ships, just about everything that needs insulating.
What is Asbestos? Why is Asbestos so Dangerous?
The most important question to ask is “ What is Asbestos and why is it dangerous?” Because asbestos is made of microscopic fibres, it can be easily inhaled or ingested without any knowledge. When inhaled or ingested, the fibres may become lodged linings of organs, often the lungs and digestive system. Over time, this can cause damage, w9th the possibility of leading to terminal diseases. Asbestos is known to cause several diseases including asbestosis and mesothelioma. If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, you should immediately contact a doctor or health care practitioner.