ASBESTOS FIBER Asbestos Description Asbestos is a generic

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. 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, hazard and it has been removed from the textiles market.

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

Asbestos Products �Asbestos was generally processed as: �Fibrous � 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