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Asbestos the facts... |
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National Surveying |
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Asbestos Solution Providers... |
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Tel. 0121 357 0350 email : info@nationalsurveying.co.uk
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The term "asbestos" describes six naturally occurring fibrous minerals found in certain types of rock formations. It is a mineral compound of silicon, oxygen, hydrogen, and various metal cations. Of the six types, the minerals chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite have been most commonly used in building products. When mined and processed, asbestos is typically separated into very thin fibres. When these fibres are present in the air, they are normally invisible to the naked eye. Asbestos fibres are commonly mixed during processing with a material which binds them together so that they can be used in many different products. Because these fibres are so small and light, they may remain in the air for many hours if they are released from the asbestos containing material (ACM) in a building. Asbestos became a popular commercial product to manufacturers and builders in the early 1900's to the 1970's. Asbestos is durable, fire retardant, resists corrosion, and insulates well. It is estimated that 3,000 different types of commercial products contain some amount of asbestos. The use of asbestos ranges from paper products and brake linings to floor tiles and thermal insulation. Intact and undisturbed (ACM) does not pose a health risk. Asbestos becomes a problem when, due to damage, disturbance, or deterioration over time, the material releases fibres into the air. Asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems. If inhaled, these tiny fibers can impair normal lung functions, and increase the risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis. It could take anywhere from 20 to 30 years after the first exposure for symptoms to occur. Severe health problems from exposure have been experienced by workers who held jobs in industries such as shipbuilding, mining, milling, and fabricating.
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Examples of where asbestos is found |
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Sprayed-on insulation in locations such as mechanical rooms, steel reinforcing beams, and some ceilings in older buildings Cement sheet roofing as used on many industrial buildings right up to the early ‘80’s Ceiling tiles in buildings built prior to 1981 Most 9" floor tiles in buildings built prior to 1981 A few 12" floor tiles in buildings built prior to 1981 Insulation around pipes and boilers, Interiors of fire doors Sprayed-on fire proofing and insulation in buildings Wall and ceiling insulation and textured coatings, including decorative coatings such as Artex TM Putties, caulks, and cements (such as in chemical carrying cement pipes) Roofing shingles Siding shingles on old residential buildings Joint compound in older buildings and homes Brake linings and clutch pads Toilet cisterns usually black and made of resin Linoleum floor lining |