Asbestos is a rock mined from the earth - ‘asbestos’ is a generic term for a group of fibrous mineral silicates formed over millions of years crystallised under the influence of volcanic eruption. The types of commercially exploited asbestos include: - Chrysotile – white asbestos
- Amosite – brown asbestos
- Crocidolite – blue asbestos
Asbestos is a commercial term rather than a scientific or geological one. The main properties of asbestos include: - Strength
- Incombustibility
- Use as a binding agent
- Resistance to high temperatures
- Resistance to electrical current
- Resistance to acids and alkalis
- Absorbs sound
Where does asbestos come from?Asbestos deposits can be found throughout the world although most came from Russia (world’s largest producer), Canada, South Africa and Australia. Asbestos is extracted using mainly open cast mining techniques – the asbestos generally forms veins in rock, sometimes only a few centimetres in thickness. The rock is mined and then crushed, processed and refined into a wool-like fibrous mass.
How much asbestos is in the UK?
Since 1900 over six million tonnes of asbestos has been imported into the UK. The importation of asbestos peaked in 1973 when over 195,000 tonnes was imported into the UK.
Where is asbestos found?
Asbestos can be found in: - Roofs and exterior walls including guttering and tiles
- Boilers, vessels and pipe work
- Ceilings
- Interior walls and panels
- Flooring materials
- Air handling systems
- Domestic appliances like boilers
- Plus a range of products including fire blankets and water tanks.
In 1997 is was thought that asbestos was being used in over 3,000 products. It was also widely accepted that building workers, such as plumbers, carpenters and electricians, were among the largest high risk group - in 1995 Professor Peto wrote a challenging article for the Lancet. Asbestos regulations were tightened throughout the 1990s and in 1998 the Council of Europe adopted a report that all forms of asbestos should be banned within the member states. In 2002 the Health and safety commission amended the asbestos regulations to include a specific duty for employers and those in control of buildings to manage the risk of asbestos know as Regulations 4 CAWR 2002, reinforced by the introduction of CAR 2006. The House of Lords have also requested that HSE undertake a review of Regulation 4. If you want to know more then call us now on 01582 707117 for a free consultation and a quote, or email us at enquiries@asbestos-answers.co.uk and we will get back to you. Asbestos Solutions offer answers to all your asbestos problems | 
