AsbestosWhat is asbestos, you ask? Asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals that can be separated into fibers. The fibers are strong, durable and resistant to heat and fire. They are also long, thin and flexible, so they can even be woven into fabric. Because of these qualities, asbestos has been used in thousands of consumer, industrial, maritime, automotive, scientific, and construction products. During the 20th century, some 30 million tons of asbestos were used in industrial sites, homes, schools, shipyards and commercial buildings in the United States. There are several types of asbestos fibers, three of which have been used for commercial applications: (1) Chrysotile, or white asbestos, comes primarily from Canada and has been used very widely in the United States. It is white-gray in color and is found in serpentine rock. (2) Amosite, or brown asbestos, comes from southern Africa. (3) Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, comes from southern Africa or Australia. Amosite and crocidolite are called amphiboles. This term refers to the nature of their geological formation. Other asbestos fibers that have not been used commercially are tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite, although they are sometimes contaminants in asbestos-containing products. What are products containing asbestos? What is common to many asbestos products is that they were used to contain heat (i.e. thermal insulation). It is impossible to list all the products which have, at one time or another, contained asbestos. Some of the most common asbestos-containing products are pipe coverings, insulating cement, insulating blocks, asbestos fabrics, gaskets, patching materials, thermal seals, refractory insulation materials and boilers, transport panels. Other materials are asbestos-cement pipes, fire retardant sprays, joint compounds, vinyl floor tiles, ceiling tiles, sealants, adhesives, coatings, acoustic textures, installation of conduits for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, roofing products, insulated electrical wires and panels, and brake and fabric assemblies. Some of these products contained a very high proportion of asbestos, while others contained small amounts. Some people might wonder why asbestos is still a problem. Well, asbestos is still a problem. This is because much of this substance has been used in the United States and elsewhere. Also because man...... middle of paper...... is the fiber. It is important not to release fibers into the air or on yourself when collecting samples. Only you should be present in the room when sampling is completed. Asbestos repair. Where and how to repair asbestos is different everywhere. Insulation of pipes, furnaces and boilers: When the insulation material moves when touched by the hand or the cover is no longer firm and tight, the insulation is probably too deteriorated to repair. For equipment in this condition, call a professional. The homeowner should only attempt repairs, if any, when the insulation is firm and tight, and there should be a minimum of holes or tears in the insulation (e.g., no more than one inch in diameter on four linear lines). pipe liner feet). For slightly damaged areas like this, you can get commercial products designed to fill holes and seal damaged areas in home insulation..