Asbestos types, Health risk and use
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of fibres that are resistant to heat, electricity and corrosion.
There are six types of asbestos
a)Serpentine (curly fibres)
-Chrysotile
b)Amphibole (needle-like fibres)
-Amosite (grunerite)
-Crocidolite
-Actinolite
–Anthophyllite
-Tremolite
Is asbestos dangerous?
Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health issues. Asbestos is only a risk to health if fibres are released into the air and breathed in. There is usually a long delay between first exposure to asbestos and the onset of disease. This can vary from 15 to 60 years. Asbestos related diseases include mesothelioma and asbestosis.
-Mesothelioma is a type of cancer affecting lining of the lungs and chest wall
-Asbestosis is a lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres which inhaled create scaring of the lungs
Common asbestos containing materials include but are not limited to:
Asbestos loose fill insulation- Often used as sound proofing
Asbestos sprayed coating- structural beams as fire protection
Asbestos thermal insulation- asbestos pipe lagging, boiler insulation
Asbestos millboard- Fire protection, suspended ceilings
Asbestos insulating board- fire breaks, suspended ceilings, wall linings
Asbestos paper- underside of floor lino
Asbestos textiles-gaskets, fire blankets
Asbestos cement- roofs, soffits, undercloaking
Bitumen- roof felts, damp proof course, floor tile adhesive
Asbestos floor tiles
Reinforced asbestos resin- toilet cisterns, toilet seats, window sills
