| Asbestos
refers to a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of
strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads
and woven. Asbestos fibers, including Chrysotile asbestos, are not
affected by heat or chemicals, do not conduct electricity, and
therefore has been widely used in many industries. However,
asbestos fiber masses tend to break easily into a dust composed of
tiny particles that can float in the air and stick to clothes. The
fibers may be easily inhaled or swallowed and exposure to asbestos
has been shown to cause serious health problems including pleural mesothelioma.
Products containing Asbestos:
- cement sheet and pipe products used for water supply and
sewage piping
- roofing and siding
- casings for electrical wires
- fire protection material
- electrical switchboards and components
- clutch facings
- brake linings for automobiles
- gaskets
- heat-protective mats
- heat and electrical wire insulation
- industrial filters for beverages
- material for sheet flooring
- roofing materials
- heat- and fire-resistant fabrics (including blankets and
curtains)
- ceiling and floor tile.
In the late 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and gas
fireplaces because these products released excessive amounts of
asbestos fibers into the environment. Additionally, asbestos was
voluntarily withdrawn by manufacturers of electric hair dryers. In
1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all
new uses of asbestos; uses established prior to 1989 are still
allowed. The EPA has established regulations that require school
systems to inspect for damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce
the exposure by removing the asbestos or by covering it up.
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