Asbestos & It´s Uses
The name "asbestos" comes from the Greek meaning "inextinguishable". It is the name given to a group of six silicate minerals, the three most common of which are:-
Chrysotile
(white asbestos)
Amosite
(brown asbestos)
Crocidolite
(blue asbestos)
It is mined like coal in many countries around the world and due to it's thermal insulation properties has been used in a large number of building materials. The four main uses of asbestos are detailed to the right:-
Spray asbestos coatings (fire protection) and pipework insulation lagging.
Low density, soft surfaced, thermal insulation board - 'asbestolux' (A.I.B) and millboard.
High density, hard surface materials - asbestos cement products - this is by far the most common use - containing Chrysotile.
Ropes, yams, cloths, gaskets, plastic, paper, textured coatings, vinyl floor tiles and stair nosings.
Asbestos has been used in literally hundreds of applications and is found in many locations. Below is a guide to the main types of uses we have encountered.
- Floor tiles and sheet flooring
- Construction mastics & putties
- Acoustic/decorative plaster or artex
- Textured paints/coatings
- Ceiling tiles/panels
- Gasket
- Spray coatings
- Pipework lagging
- Water tanks
- Soffits/fasica boards
- Brake linings
- Bituminous felts
- Roofs, gutters, downpipes
- Wall Panels
- Door linings
- Fire safes/filing cabinets
- Taping compounds (thermal)
- Packing materials - floor & walls
- Loft insultation
- Ventilation system linings/laggings
- School blackboards