~Asbestos~

Asbestos is a trade name for a group of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals, including Chrysotile, Amosite, Crocidolite, Anthophyllite, Actinolite and Tremolite.. The most common is Chrysotile. They are extracted from the ground by open pit mining and are still used today in certain industries.

Asbestos has been used commercially for hundreds years because of its desirable physical properties, such as sound absorption, tensile strength and its resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage. Although many countries still use and mine it today the United States and many other countries started banning its use in building materials in the 1970's.

The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

There are many products that contain asbestos, below is a list of some of these items:

• Pipe and building insulation
• Gaskets
• Flooring and mastics
• Brake pads
• Joint compound
• Roofing finish materials
• Stage curtains
• Ceiling tiles
• Plaster
• Cement sheets and pipes