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The term asbestos describes six naturally occurring
fibrous minerals found in certain types of rock
formations. Of that general group, the minerals
Chrysotile (white), Amosite (brown), and Crocidolite
(blue) have been most commonly used in building
products.
When mined and processed, asbestos was typically
separated into very thin fibres. When these fibres
are present in the air, they are normally invisible
to the naked eye.
Asbestos fibres were commonly mixed during processing
with a material which bound them together so that
they could be used in many different products.
These were non-friable products.
Because these fibres are so small and light, they
remain in the air for many hours if they are released
from Asbestos Containing Materials in a building.
When fibres are released into the air they may
be inhaled by people in the building.
The mere presence of asbestos in a building does
not mean that the health of building occupants
is endangered.
However, asbestos materials can become hazardous
when, due to damage, disturbance, or through deterioration
over time, they release fibres into the building
air. They become friable.
Under these conditions, when Asbestos Containing
Material is damaged or disturbed – for example,
by maintenance repairs conducted without proper
controls – elevated airborne asbestos concentrations
can create a potential hazard for workers and
other building occupants.
If you would like to know more about asbestos
in your home or work place please view our FREE
online presentation by clicking this link Asbestos
Awareness and Health Effects.
It provides you with a good understanding of Asbetsos
issues and steps you can take to minimise the
risk of Asbestos.
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