Facts About Asbestos

Because of its versatility and strength, asbestos was widely used, particularly in construction, from the ’40s to the ’70s, when asbestos use peaked. However, people also began to recognize the health risks of this nearly indestructible product. Since the type known as chrysotile composes over 90 percent of all asbestos used in the United States, this article will mainly focus on its properties and uses.

Most people know asbestos as a dangerous material that was banned back in the 1980s. However, that is only half the story.

Asbestos is actually made up of small bundles of mineral fibers. Additionally, “asbestos” is a catch-all name for six different types of naturally occurring minerals. Structurally, asbestos is:

• Strong
• Flexible
• Heat resistant
• Chemical resistant
• Resistant to corrosion

The persistent nature these fibers is part of the problem they pose to human health.

1. The tiny size of these particles makes them invisible to the human eye. Those exposed would have no idea they were breathing in asbestos fibers.
2. Asbestos is extremely flaky, and once disturbed, these tiny particles remain airborne for extended periods of time. It is possible to inhale asbestos long after someone else has disturbed it.
3. Once inhaled, asbestos does not break down in the lungs (if fire and chemicals can’t do it, what chance do your lungs have?). While your body may recover from smoke or smog inhalation, it is much more difficult to recover from asbestos inhalation, especially after repeated exposure.

It is important to note that while many products in the U.S. are no longer made with asbestos (or use asbestos in an encased form to minimize risk of exposure), older building materials and imported goods may still contain these hazardous minerals.