The EPA also established regulations that require school systems to inspect buildings for the presence of damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce asbestos exposure to occupants by removing the asbestos or encasing it ( 2). Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos however, uses developed before 1989 are still allowed. In addition, manufacturers of electric hairdryers voluntarily stopped using asbestos in their products in 1979. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and gas fireplaces because the asbestos fibers in these products could be released into the environment during use. In addition, asbestos has been found in vermiculite-containing garden products and some talc-containing crayons. Asbestos has also been used in ceiling and floor tiles paints, coatings, and adhesives and plastics. The automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads. The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steam pipes, and hot water pipes. For example, the building and construction industries have used it for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption. Since then, asbestos has been used in many industries. Its use increased greatly during World War II ( 3, 4). Amphibole asbestos has straight, needle-like fibers that are more brittle than those of serpentine asbestos and are more limited in their ability to be fabricated ( 1, 2).Īsbestos has been mined and used commercially in North America since the late 1800s. Amphibole asbestos includes the minerals actinolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, and amosite. Chrysotile asbestos is the form that has been used most widely in commercial applications. Serpentine asbestos includes the mineral chrysotile, which has long, curly fibers that can be woven. Additional asbestos-like minerals are found in the natural environment, including erionite.Ĭhemically, asbestos minerals are silicate compounds, meaning they contain atoms of silicon and oxygen in their molecular structure.Īsbestos minerals are divided into two major groups: Serpentine asbestos and amphibole asbestos. For these reasons, asbestos has been used widely in many industries. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. Asbestos is the name given to six minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads for use in commercial and industrial applications.
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