Asbestos

Asbestos (Greek ????????: a-, "not"; sbestos, "extinguishable") describes any of a group of fibrous metamorphic minerals of the hydrous magnesium silicate variety. The name is derived for its historical use in lamp wicks; the resistance of asbestos to fire has long been exploited for a variety of purposes. It was used in fabrics such as Egyptian burial cloths and Charlemagne's tablecloth, which, according to legend, he threw in a fire to clean. Asbestos occurs naturally in many forms (see below); it is mined from metamorphic deposits.

Uses

Serpentine Group

Chrysotile is the form of asbestos from the Serpetine group that has been used commercially.

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In the United States Chrysotile has been the most commonly used type of asbestos. Chrysotile is often present in a wide variety of building materials including but not limited to: sheetrock taping mud and texture coats; vinyl floor tiles and sheeting; adhesives, ceiling tiles; plasters and stuccos; roofing tars, felts, and shingles; "transite" panels, siding, countertops, and pipes; accoustical ceilings, fireproofing; putty; caulk; and gaskets.

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Amphibole Group

Amosite and crocidolite were used in many products until the early 1980s. The use of all types of asbestos in the amphibole group was banned in the mid 1980s. These products were mainly;

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? asbestos cement sheets and pipes for construction, casing for water and electrical/telecommunication services

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? thermal and chemical insulation i.e., fire rated doors, limpet spray, lagging and gaskets.

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