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Its a good question because it is such a great material. You may or may not know it is basically rock fibers. Unfortunately, when it is in a friable state ( the material can be reduced to powder using hand pressure) or is made friable from disturbance these rock fibers can become airborne and can enter your lungs, lodge themselves in the lining and over the course of time cause a few very nasty and fatal diseases. Some claim that just one fiber can cause these diseases and while technically correct these ailments are generally observed in person's working in an industry where multiple unprotected heavy exposures have occurred. That being said workers in the asbestos mines have made their entire families ill just with the material they brought home with them. See Asbestosis and mesothelioma ...
What else can I help you with?
What is friable asbestos?
Friable asbestos is material that contains asbestos fibers and that can be crumbled into dust in the hand without the use of tools.
How are asbestos roofs secured?
Asbestos roofs are secured in the same manner as non-asbestos roofs that use similar materials.
When was asbestos last used in sheet materials?
Asbestos was banned in sheet materials in the United States in the late 1970s. The use of asbestos in sheet materials has declined globally due to health concerns associated with asbestos exposure and regulations restricting its use.
When was asbestos outlawed?
While some countries began banning asbestos or restricting its use in the the 1970's others continue to permit its use. Although use of asbestos is limited in the United States, it has not been banned or "outlawed."
Can you legally use Asbestos Cement Pipe or does it require remediation?
It is probably not a good idea to install new asbestos pipe. Asbestos pipe requires remediation if and when it deteriorates to that it may be releasing asbestos fibers. Whether it is legal to install asbestos pipe depends one what legal jurisdiction you are in. Some countries have forbidden all use of asbestos containing products and some permit some uses to continue.
When did US Gypsum last use asbestos?
US Gypsum last used asbestos in their products in the mid-1970s. Following increased awareness of the health hazards associated with asbestos, the company ceased its use in manufacturing due to regulations and lawsuits related to asbestos exposure.
How does asbestos get into the environment?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. Where mineral outcrops are located, natural processes of erosion release asbestos fibers. Beyond that, people mined asbestos to use in a variety of applications. The asbestos-containing products can release fibers into the environment if not properly maintained or if discarded improperly.
What is one reason for the decline in global asbestos use after 1980?
One reason for the decline in global asbestos use after 1980 is an increase in awareness about the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, particularly its link to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases. This led to stricter regulations and bans on asbestos in many countries, discouraging its use in various industries.
Do they use asbestos on construction sites now?
Asbestos use in the United Kingdom and EU are now banned , it can no longer be used, sold, imported or exported, you can't even give it away. In the US asbestos is not banned, but its uses are limited and new construction materials should not contain asbestos as an intentionally added ingredient.
When was asbestos first used?
Asbestos has been used for thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans. However, industrial-scale mining and use of asbestos began in the late 19th century during the Industrial Revolution.
How can I determine if plaster contains asbestos?
To determine if plaster contains asbestos, you can hire a professional asbestos testing company to collect samples and analyze them in a laboratory. They will use specialized equipment and techniques to accurately detect the presence of asbestos in the plaster. It is important to not disturb the plaster yourself, as this can release harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
Is anyone allowed to use asbestos?
use of asbestos in pretty much everything has been banned for many years now, and in the uk, you need training, and a licence to remove it from buildings.
