Question

What are asbestos ?
From where do the originate ?
what are they used for ?

Answer 1

Asbestos is the generic name given to the fibrous variety of six naturally occurring minerals that have been used in commercial products. These minerals are made up of fibrous bundles. These fibers are long and thin, and they can be easily separated from one another. Asbestos minerals have physical properties (high tensile strength, flexibility, resistance to heat and chemicals, high electrical resistance, and the capability to be woven like fabric) that make them useful in many commercial products.

Asbestos minerals come from metamorphic rocks. Significant deposits of asbestos are located in the western United States. However, the mountains of North and South Carolina also have extensive deposits of asbestos minerals. Some small deposits are found in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. There is currently no production of asbestos in the United States. Most of the asbestos used here is imported from Canada.

It has been estimated that asbestos was once used in more than 3,000 different products. Asbestos can be found in vinyl flooring, patching compounds and textured paints, sprayed acoustic ceilings, acoustic ceiling tiles, stove insulation, furnace insulation, pipe insulation, wall and ceiling insulation, roofing shingles and siding, home appliances, fireretardant clothing, vehicle brake pads, and cement pipe.

Asbestos is still used today. Because of its unique physical properties, it remains an importtant component of many products. The major manufacturing uses in the United States are: asphaltic roofing compounds used on commercial buildings (61%), gaskets (19%), and friction products, such as brake shoes and clutches (13%). Most of these products are utilized on a commercial basis and are installed under conditions regulated by OSHA. Today, there are no asbestos- containing products manufactured specifically for use by the general public.