Asbestos

Asbestos is a commercial term used for naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. Asbestos has been used in a very large scale for more than 100 years. The characteristics of this mineral is versatile and plentiful. These minerals are categorized into two groups. The first are called "serpentines" and have a layered sheet-like structure. The second are called "amphilboles" and are chain-like. Asbestos is incredibly versatile and has been used most commonly as an insulation material and  fire proofing or fire retardant.

There are three types of asbestos that have been commonly used, Crocodilite (blue asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and chrysotile (white asbestos). These groups of asbestos fibres differ in their mechanical and chemical properties. The different types of asbestos can be found on their own or as a mixture with any of the other fibres. All asbestos fibres are classed as dangerous, but blue and brown asbestos are thought to be more dangerous than white asbestos. White asbestos is less dangerous than blue and brown asbestos.

When it becomes airborne, this mineral is very unhealthy and dangerous especially when it is inhaled. Substantial exposure can cause scarring of the lung tissue called Asbestosis. Asbestos can also lead to a cancer of the pleural lining. This pleural lining commonly called Mesothelioma.

Asbestos is widely used for fireproofing and insulation materials such as fireproofing blankets, fire curtains, fire doors, cooling towers, ceiling tiles, boiler insulation, pipe insulation, breaching insulation, blown-in insulation, electric wiring insulation, taping compounds, elevator brake shoes, clutch facings, hair dryers, laboratory gloves, table tops, etc.

It is also used for walls materials such as decorative plaster, wallboard, chalkboards, joint compounds, vinyl wall coverings, wall panels, textured paints, packing materials, cement wallboard, cement siding, etc.
As flooring materials, asbestos is commonly used for vinyl floor tile, asphalt floor tile, carpet underlays, floor backing and packing materials for wall and floor penetrations.

As electrical material, asbestos also used for electrical panel partitions, elevator equipment panels, electrical cloth, and electric wiring insulation. For detail see asbestos products.