Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals (chrysotile, tremolite, anthophyllte, amosite, crocidolite and actinolite), used in the past as an insulator material, but has largely been replaced due to its potent carcinogenic effects.

Properties

Chemical

Asbestos is chemically resistant to the attack of many weak acids, but less so with alkali.

Physical

Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral, that is usually white, but blue and brown varieties are also known. Individual asbestos fibers have a diameter between 3–20 µm, some even 0.01 µ, making them nearly invisible to the naked human eye. Asbestos is a good heat and electrical insulator.

Availability

Asbestos is less common these days, as its use in many commercial products has been phased out. Older appliances, such as old electric heaters, are a source of asbestos, but due to its hazard, proper protection, such as gloves, masks, coat is required when recovering asbestos.

Projects

• Thermal insulation
• Platinized asbestos
• Mineral collection (especially the colored varieties)

Handling

Safety and Toxicity

Asbestos is a well known carcinogenic. Inhaling asbestos fibers has been linked to many illnesses such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and malignant lung cancer. On contact with skin or sensitive body parts it can cause irritations.

Storage

While bulk asbestos fiber is safe to use and store, the small airborne fibers are the greatest hazard. It should be stored in a place without any draft, to prevent the small fibers from getting airborne.

Disposal

Asbestos should be sent to proper disposal facilities. Asbestos can also be mixed with cement, though that too should be taken to the disposal centers.