What is Asbestos made from?
Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals made up of thin, microscopic fibers. The six silicate minerals are Actinolite, Amosite, Anthophyllite, Chrysotile, Crocidolite and Tremolite. 
Asbestos is non-volatile material, however, fibers from natural and manmade sources can be released into the atmosphere. The principal natural source of air asbestos is the weathering of asbestos-bearing rocks. There are no estimates of the amount emitted into the air by natural sources (ATSDR, 2001). Asbestos fibers are mostly released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities. Open-pit mining activities (especially drilling and blasting); ore crushing, screening, and milling; manufacturing asbestos products; use of asbestos-containing components (such as clutches and brakes on cars and trucks); and transportation and disposal are all major anthropogenic sources.
Why & Where was it used?
Asbestos offers heat and chemical resistance, fireproofing, and strength. It has been estimated that 3,000 different types of commercial products contain asbestos. In homes built prior to 1978, asbestos is most commonly found as thermal insulation on boilers and pipes.
Unfortunately, it can also be found in many other household materials, which include:
-Attic insulation (blown in and sometimes vermiculite insulation)
-Vinyl floor tiles – usually 9″ X 9″ tiles contain asbestos
-Textured ceilings
-The glue that attaches floor tiles to concrete or wood (also called “mastic”)
-Some forms of linoleum
-Window caulking or glazing
-Roofing materials
-HVAC duct insulation (usually found in corrugated or flat paper form)
-Siding material
-Plaster
-Fiber cement siding (usually 1/8” thick and 8’ X 4’, brittle)
-Corrugated heavy-duty panels
-Boiler Lagging
-Hot water pipe insulation
How Asbestos is Removed
Remediation costs can vary greatly, so shop around. There are no federal requirements for licensing, unlike the EPA’s guidelines for lead paint licensing. Each state has its own requirements for licensing, so check with your state for more information. Here is a listing of the contacts in each state regarding licensing and requirements www2.epa.gov/
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals made up of thin, microscopic fibers. The six silicate minerals are Actinolite, Amosite, Anthophyllite, Chrysotile, Crocidolite and Tremolite.
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Last Updated on 4 years ago
