What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals known for their durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. Historically, these properties made asbestos popular for use in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, such as insulation buildings, fireproofing materials, construction materials (cement and tiles), and automotive brake linings and clutches

The properties of asbestos are

• Heat resistance Asbestos is non-combustible and has high thermal stability
• Chemical resistance it resists most chemical reactions
• Tensile strength its fibrous structure provides high tensile strength
• Insulation effective for thermal, electrical, and acoustic insulation

Formation and Mining

• Asbestos forms through metamorphic processes where rocks rich in magnesium and silicate minerals undergo physical and chemical transformations. Mining was traditionally focused on deposits in countries like Canada, Russia, and South Africa.

What Is Asbestos Used For?

Historically, asbestos was used in many applications due to its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. Here is a break down of what asbestos is used for

Asbestos used in Construction and Building Materials

• Insulation for pipes, boilers, furnaces, and attics
• Cement products roof tiles, siding, panels, and shingles
• Spray on coatings fireproofing and soundproofing materials
• Joining compounds and plaster used in drywall and ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles vinyl asbestos tiles and adhesives

Asbestos used in Automotive Industry

• Brake pads and linings due to its friction and heat resistance
• Clutches to handle heat and wear
• Gaskets sealing automotive parts

Asbestos used in Shipbuilding

• Insulation for builders, steampipes, and hot water systems
• Fireproofing for structural components and walls

Asbestos used in Textiles and Protective clothing

• Fire-resistant clothing suits and gloves for firefighters or workers
• Asbestos blankets for welding and metalworking

Asbestos used in Industrial equipment

• Gaskets and seals for chemical processing equipment
• Friction products in manufacturing machinery that required resistance to heat and water

Asbestos used in Consumer Products (historically)

• Hair dryers early models contained asbestos for insulation
• Ironing boards fire-resistant covers
• Cigarette filters early filters contained asbestos fibers

How Asbestos is Made into Objects

Mining and Crushing

• Asbestos ore is mined from deposits, often in open-pit mines. The ore is crushed and then milled to release asbestos fibers. The fibers are sorted and graded based on length, strength, and other properties

Blending and Mixing

• The asbestos fibers are mixed with other materials to form products. For cement-based products, asbestos is blended with cement or other binders. For textiles and fireproofing, the fiber are woven with other threads

Forming and Molding

• In the case of construction materials, the asbestos mixture is poured into molds or sprayed to form tiles, panels, pipes, etc. For textiles, the asbestos thread are woven into fabric or mats

Pressing, Curing, and Drying

• Pressing is used to shape the products under high pressure. Curing and drying processes ensure the final product hardens or retains its shape

Machining and Finishing

• The asbestos products are trimmed, cut, or machined into their final shapes and dimensions. Additional coatings or adhesives may be applied to improve performance

Industry/Stats Regarding Asbestos

• 125 million people worldwide are exposed to asbestos at work each year.
• The top asbestos-producing countries of the 20th century were
• Brazil, Canada, China, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Russia, South Africa, United States, Zimbabwe
• The U.S did not stop mining asbestos until 2002
• In 2021, the U.S. consumed about 320 metric tons of chrysotile asbestos, all imported from Brazil.
• Russia produces more asbestos than any other country in the world
• 2,500 to 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year
• 43,073 mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths occurred in America between 1979 and 2001.
• Asbestos has been banned in more than 60 countries, but not in the U.S.
• About 20% of all public and commercial buildings in the U.S. contain some asbestos material

Start of Asbestos Removal/Abatement

• 1980s major asbestos abatement efforts begin in public buildings, including schools and government facilities, due to heightened awareness and stricter regulations
• 1986 The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) is passed in the U.S, requiring schools to inspect for asbestos and implement management plans.
• 1990s-Present continued advancements in abatement techniques and stricter enforcement of regulations globally. Countries begin to ban or severely restrict the use of asbestos

How Asbestos is Removed

Asbestos removal is a highly regulated and specialized process due to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Below are the general steps typically involved in asbestos removal

Site Assessment

A qualified asbestos removal contractor will conduct a thorough assessment of the site to determine the extent of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and the best approach for removal.

Preparation

Before starting the removal process, the area must be sealed off to prevent asbestos fibers from spreading to other parts of the building. This often involves setting up containment barriers and negative air pressure systems. Containment barriers can be made by using 6 mil Poly Sheeting. Negative Air Machines work by discharging the air they suck in, outside of the containment area. The discharged air is passed through a series of filters and replaced with makeup air. Ducting is used in this method to eliminate contaminated airborne materials and restrict the spread of air pollutants.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Workers involved in asbestos removal must wear appropriate PPE, including respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and head/eye/ear protection, to minimize exposure to asbestos fibers. Respirators protect you from inhaling dangerous chemicals and bad particles. Coveralls protect your body from harmful substances or dirt, and gloves protect your hands also from chemicals or germs. Wearing goggles is important as well so your eyes are protected from any chemicals or liquids from entering your eyes.

Wetting Agent/Surfactant

Asbestos materials are often wetted down before removal to minimize the release of fibers into the air. This helps to keep the fibers from becoming airborne and reduces the risk of inhalation.

Removal

Depending on the type of asbestos-containing material, removal methods may vary. In some cases, material containing asbestos may be carefully removed intact, while in other cases, they may need to be broken down and removed piece by piece.

Handling and Disposal

Asbestos-containing materials must be handled carefully to prevent fiber release during transport and disposal. These materials can be typically handled with thick plastic bags that are labeled as containing asbestos. These bags are 6 millimeters, which is required in order to meet OSHA safety standards. Regulations require that you put asbestos material into the asbestos disposal bags while it is still damp. The asbestos disposal bags should not have more than thirty to fifty pounds of material placed in them. You should check the rules for disposal of asbestos in your area to see what regulations are for the weight of asbestos disposal bags. Many places require you to double bag your asbestos waste using the asbestos disposal bags and sealing each of the asbestos disposal bags with duct tape. Asbestos can never be disposed of in the regular trash, even if it is properly labeled. Disposal is usually done at authorized hazardous waste facilities.

Cleanup

After removal, the work area is thoroughly cleaned using specialized vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters to capture any remaining asbestos fibers. HEPA vacuum’s filter traps particles that are too small for a normal vacuum bag. Surfaces are also wiped down with damp cloths.

Air Monitoring

Air samples may be taken before, during, and after the removal process to ensure that asbestos fiber levels are within acceptable limits. This helps to verify that the removal was performed safely and effectively.

Final Inspection

Once the removal process is complete, a final inspection is conducted to ensure that all asbestos-containing materials have been properly removed and that the area is safe for reoccupation.