News: Asbestos contamination has led to the closure of over 70 public schools in Australia due to the discovery of tremolite asbestos in colored sand products.
About Asbestos
- Asbestos is a fibrous material naturally present underground in rock and soil.
- Physical Features:
- Asbestos is known for its strength and highly flexible and durable.
- It is resistant to heat, fire, electricity and corrosion.
- Types of Asbestos
- There are six commercial types: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite.
- These types fall into two mineral groups: serpentine and amphibole.
- Serpentine contains only chrysotile.
- Fibers are long, curly and usually white.
- Amphibole includes amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite.
- Fibers are needle-like, brittle and vary in color from green to blue to brown.
- Serpentine contains only chrysotile.
- Common Uses of Asbestos
- It is added to building materials, insulation, fireproofing products and automotive brakes.
- It is also found in several products, including cement, tiles, textiles, appliances, cosmetics and some toys.
- Heath risk related to health:
- When asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled or swallowed, they can get trapped in the body and remain there for decades.
- Trapped asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs or abdomen.
- Long-term exposure can lead to serious diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
- All types of asbestos are capable of causing mesothelioma.
