What is asbestos and what is it used for?
Asbestos is a group of fibrous, naturally occurring minerals found in soil and rock that can be separated and spun into long threads. The three most common types of asbestos are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. These woven fibers are incredibly strong and are resistant to heat, acid, alkali, and electricity conduction. Due to these characteristics, asbestos is widely used for fire proofing, acoustic and thermal insulation, pipe and vessel insulation, and paper manufacturing, and can be found in ceiling tiles, linoleum, mastic, paint, automobile brake shoes and clutch pads, and structural beams.
Other Asbestos FAQs
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Is asbestos hazardous to your health? Can it cause diseases?
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the EPA have determined that asbestos is in fact a human carcinogen, and that breathing high levels of … more -
Who is most likely to be at risk?
Nearly everyone is exposed to asbestos at some point during their life. Drinking water may contain asbestos from natural sources, or from … more -
Has the federal government made regulations to decrease asbestos exposure?
Yes. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos; however, uses established prior to 1989 are still permitted. … more -
Can I file an asbestos-related lawsuit?
Although the EPA has made regulations to promote protection from asbestos, and organizations such as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) … more
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