‘ASBESTOS’

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral all of which are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, each fibre being composed of many microscopic “fibrils” that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and other processes.

Any of several fibrous mineral forms of magnesium silicate, used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings, chemical filters, suits, fireman’s gloves, etc.

‘CLASSIFICATION’

COLOR :

 Green, red, yellow, white, gray, blue

MELTING POINT : 

  400 to 1,040 °C (752 to 1,904 °F)

CATEGORY :

Silicate mineral

CLEAVAGE :

Prismatic

CRYSTAL HABIT : 

Amorphous, granular, massive 

CRYSTAL SYSTEM :

 Orthorhombic, monoclinic

DANA CLASSIFICATION :

 71.01.02d.03

FORMULA MASS : 

277.11 g

OPTICAL PROPERTIES : 

Biaxial

‘ASBESTOS ABATEMENT’

Asbestos abatement is a set of procedures designed to control the release of asbestos fibers from asbestos-containing materials.

The effects of long-term exposure to asbestos typically don’t show up until 10-40 years after initial exposure.

Asbestos is most commonly found in homes.

• Attic and wall insulation produced containing vermiculite.
• Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
• Roofing and siding shingles.
• Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings.

‘MINERALS’

Asbestos refers to six unique minerals 

• chrysotile
•  amosite
• crocidolite
• anthophyllite
• tremolite 
• actinolite

 belonging to the serpentine and amphibole families.

‘CHEMICAL FORMULA’

Chrysotile, the fibrous form of the mineral serpentine, is the best-known type and accounts for about 95 percent of all asbestos in commercial use. It is a hydrous magnesium silicate with the chemical composition of Mg3Si2O5(OH)4.

 ‘CAUSES’

CEMENT SHEET, MILLBOARD, and PAPER used as insulation around furnaces and woodburning stoves. Repairing or removing appliances may release asbestos fibers. So may cutting, tearing, sanding, drilling, or sawing insulation. DOOR GASKETS in furnaces, wood stoves, and coal stoves.

‘HEALTH EFFECTS’

If you breathe asbestos fibers, you may increase the risk of several serious diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos exposure may increase your risk for cancers of the digestive system, including colon cancer.

Asbestos exposure can also cause cancer of the larynx and ovary. Current evidence also suggests asbestos exposure may cause cancer of the pharynx, stomach, and colorectum. People concerned about asbestos exposure should visit their doctor or other medical provider.

‘ASBESTOSIS IN AMERICA’

According to the National Cancer Institute, millions of Americans have had asbestos exposure since the 1940s.

Around 3,000 Americans receive a mesothelioma diagnosis every year.  

Of all the conditions caused by asbestos, asbestos-related lung cancer causes the most deaths, followed by mesothelioma.

Patients live an average of 10 years with asbestosis.

Smoking can cause a higher risk of asbestosis.  

‘TREATMENT’

Lung transplantation is the best long-term treatment for asbestosis, but few patients qualify for this serious procedure. Other treatments help to control symptoms and slow progression of the disease.

‘SYMPTOMS’

• shortness of breath
• persistent cough
• wheezing
• extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• pain in your chest or shoulder
• In more advanced cases, clubbed (swollen) fingertips

‘REDUCTION’

It has minimized possible sources. To overcome such diseases first to avoid touching or disturbing any possible asbestos- containing materials in your home. The pictures clockwise show examples of old pipe insulation, textured ceilings, damaged floor tiles, and vermiculite attic insulation.

It is also considering that we cannot easily wash asbestos out of clothes. Trying to do so can expose us to asbestos. Regular washing machines are not designed to clean asbestos-contaminated clothing. Trying to wash contaminated clothing will cause asbestos fibers to become airborne.

‘N95 MASK’

 An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne.

‘DISPOSURE’ 

• Handle with care because of its extremely hazardous fibres.
• Use your council’s asbestos collection service. 
• Use a specialist asbestos removal contractor. … 
• Weigh up the cost.

“Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999”

‘ENCAPSULATION’

Treatment of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) with a sealant material that surrounds or embeds asbestos fibers in an adhesive matrix to prevent the release of fibers. A bridging encapsulant creates a membrane over the surface. A penetrating encapsulant penetrates the material and binds its components together.

‘COST’

Removing asbestos inside the house can range from $5 to $20 per square foot, and removing it from a roof or siding could cost up to $150 per.