What Is Asbestos
Asbestos refers to six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have the ability to resist heat, fire and electricity.
Although asbestos fibers are microscopic in nature, they are extremely durable and resistant to fire and most chemical reactions and breakdowns. These properties of asbestos supported its use for many years in a number of different commercial and industrial settings, as well as in a wide range of consumer products. Although its use has diminished in recent decades, there are still many products that contain asbestos, especially in older homes, schools, and public buildings.
Asbestos is perhaps best known for its role in causing mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer that can develop in linings of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Find out what products in your home, vehicle, school or workplace could contain asbestos.
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Asbestos Companies
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Handling Asbestos
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Over time, these tiny fibers can cause inflammation, causing a number of health problems, the three biggest of which are:
How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma
Millions of people have been exposed to asbestos due to its extensive use in domestic, commercial, and industrial products. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection agency, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
The following list of trades or occupations are extremely high risk for asbestos exposure. If you worked in any of these trades, you were likely exposed to asbestos throughout the duration of your career. Click on each occupation below to learn more about how exposure may have occurred:
Asbestos Exposure Across the United States
The commercial production of amosite, or “brown” asbestos, ended within the last decade and this type of asbestos is no longer mined. It was at one time, however, the second-most commonly used form of asbestos and, as a result, many individuals were exposed to it during its peak use. Amosite was employed as insulation in factories and buildings, as well as both an acoustical and anti-condensation material. Its use has been banned in most countries for approximately the last 30 years.
Chrysotile Asbestos
The most common type of asbestos, and only kind that is still mined, chrysotile was the most widely used in the world’s developed countries. Estimates show about 90-95% of all asbestos that remains in buildings in the U.S. and Canada is of this variety. Because it was so widely used, it accounts for the most health problems, though the companies that mine it continue to attest to its safety. Chrysotile is most often used in fireproofing and insulation products and was widely used aboard U.S. Navy ships during World War II and the Korean War.
Tremolite Asbestos
As an amphibole variety of asbestos fiber, tremolite asbestos is associated with the development of malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers. Like other varieties of asbestos, tremolite asbestos is composed predominantly of magnesium and can range from off-white to a dark green in color. Tremolite is particularly common in vermiculite deposits. Tremolite-contaminated vermiculite was responsible for the death of hundreds of miners in Libby, Montana who worked at the W.R. Grace Vermiculite Mine.
Crocidolite Asbestos
Crocidolite asbestos accounted for about 4% of all asbestos once used in the United States. Crocidolite occurs in naturally-formed bundles that are long, sharp, and straight. This “blue” asbestos is harder and more brittle than other types of the mineral and can break easily, releasing dangerous needle-like fibers that are easily inhaled. Crocidolite, without a doubt, is the most lethal form of asbestos. It was often used in making yarns and rope lagging, and as a reinforcement material for plastics.
Anthophyllite Asbestos
Anthophyllite asbestos, also known as “brown” asbestos, is composed predominantly of iron and magnesium. Its fibers are known to be long and flexible. Of the amphibole subclass, brown asbestos can be found in many talc mines and has been associated with some respiratory disorders. It is not conclusively associated with mesothelioma as other varieties of asbestos are. Because of its rarity, anthophyllite was not often used in consumer products, but could be found in some cement products and insulating materials.
Actinolite Asbestos
Actinolite asbestos is a variety of the subclassification of amphibole asbestos and, as such, its makeup and consistency is similar to other forms of this subset. Made predominantly of magnesium, actinolite asbestos is extremely rare and ranges in color from white to dark brown. Actinolite was not known to be used in asbestos products because of its rarity, but is known to be found in metamorphic rock. As with all forms of asbestos, actinolite is a known carcinogen that can cause mesothelioma cancer.
The U.S. Office of Compliance, charged with “advancing safety, health, and workplace rights”, as well as several other organizations concerned with asbestos and the dangers of exposure, report the following with regards to asbestos:
How you handle asbestos may depend on the setting, whether you are at work, at a remote job site, or at home:
At Work
Always follow all OSHA rules and regulations related to handling materials or products that may contain asbestos. Failure to do so can result in strict penalties, not to mention severe health problems for you and others.
At a Job Site
Contractors are required to follow strict federal guidelines related to asbestos abatement for demolition and renovation projects of commercial facilities, public buildings, and residences with more than 4 units.
At Home
Most single-family residential homes are not required to follow the same regulations as workplaces. However, it is still important for you to take the appropriate precautions when making DIY renovations of your house.
Although asbestos fibers are microscopic in nature, they are extremely durable and resistant to fire and most chemical reactions and breakdowns. These properties of asbestos supported its use for many years in a number of different commercial and industrial settings, as well as in a wide range of consumer products. Although its use has diminished in recent decades, there are still many products that contain asbestos, especially in older homes, schools, and public buildings.Asbestos is perhaps best known for its role in causing mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer that can develop in linings of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Asbestos Safety Information
Asbestos ProductsFind out what products in your home, vehicle, school or workplace could contain asbestos.
VIEW PRODUCTS
Asbestos Companies
Learn which companies used asbestos in their products and manufacturing processes.
VIEW COMPANIES
Handling Asbestos
Get information about what to do if you find asbestos in your home, workplace, or elsewhere.
READ MORE
Why Is Asbestos Hazardous?
Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibers that can easily become airborne and inhaled. Because of their shape, the asbestos particles cling to tissues of the lungs and other areas of the respiratory system.Over time, these tiny fibers can cause inflammation, causing a number of health problems, the three biggest of which are:
- Mesothelioma — This aggressive cancer forms in the thin membrane (mesothelium) that protects vital organs in the chest and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the only medically-verified cause of the disease.
- Lung Cancer — Most commonly associated with factors like smoking and radon, lung cancer is also known to be exacerbated by exposure to asbestos.
- Asbestosis — This degenerative respiratory condition results from the formation of scar tissue plaques on the surface of the pleura (lung linings). It can be a precursor to the onset of mesothelioma.
How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma
Millions of people have been exposed to asbestos due to its extensive use in domestic, commercial, and industrial products. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection agency, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
Who Is at Risk of Exposure to Asbestos?
There were hundreds of occupations affected by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was used in thousands of commercial products and industrial capacities and those working with the material in these industries are potentially at risk of harmful exposure. Industries in which asbestos use was particularly prevalent included shipbuilding, commercial product manufacturing, power plants, and construction. Workers employed in these industries prior to 1980 likely encountered asbestos products. Veterans in all five branches of the military are also at high risk for asbestos exposure.The following list of trades or occupations are extremely high risk for asbestos exposure. If you worked in any of these trades, you were likely exposed to asbestos throughout the duration of your career. Click on each occupation below to learn more about how exposure may have occurred:
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Auto Mechanics
- Blacksmiths
- Boilermakers
- Carpenters
- Construction Workers
- Crane Operators
- Drywall Tapers
- Electricians
- Firefighters
- HVAC Workers
- Industrial Plant Workers
- Insulators
- Iron Workers
- Machinists
- Merchant Marines
- Millwrights
- Oil Refinery Workers
- Painters
- Pipefitters
- Plasterers
- Plumbers
- Power Plant Workers
- Railroad Workers
- Roofers
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Shipyard Workers
- Steamfitters
- Tile Setters
- Toolmakers
- Welders
Asbestos Exposure Risks Across the United States
Learn more about the risks of asbestos exposure in your state by clicking on the appropriate link in the table below. We have collected comprehensive information about potential jobsites where exposure to asbestos may have occurred.Asbestos Exposure Across the United States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Types of Asbestos
The word “asbestos” is a general term referring to a group of silicate minerals that have the same properties, including:- Thin, fibrous crystals (known as an “asbestiform habit”) that can be easily broken and manipulated
- Resistance to fire, heat and electricity
- Sound absorption
More on the Six Different Types of Asbestos
Amosite AsbestosThe commercial production of amosite, or “brown” asbestos, ended within the last decade and this type of asbestos is no longer mined. It was at one time, however, the second-most commonly used form of asbestos and, as a result, many individuals were exposed to it during its peak use. Amosite was employed as insulation in factories and buildings, as well as both an acoustical and anti-condensation material. Its use has been banned in most countries for approximately the last 30 years.
Chrysotile Asbestos
The most common type of asbestos, and only kind that is still mined, chrysotile was the most widely used in the world’s developed countries. Estimates show about 90-95% of all asbestos that remains in buildings in the U.S. and Canada is of this variety. Because it was so widely used, it accounts for the most health problems, though the companies that mine it continue to attest to its safety. Chrysotile is most often used in fireproofing and insulation products and was widely used aboard U.S. Navy ships during World War II and the Korean War.
Tremolite Asbestos
As an amphibole variety of asbestos fiber, tremolite asbestos is associated with the development of malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers. Like other varieties of asbestos, tremolite asbestos is composed predominantly of magnesium and can range from off-white to a dark green in color. Tremolite is particularly common in vermiculite deposits. Tremolite-contaminated vermiculite was responsible for the death of hundreds of miners in Libby, Montana who worked at the W.R. Grace Vermiculite Mine.
Crocidolite Asbestos
Crocidolite asbestos accounted for about 4% of all asbestos once used in the United States. Crocidolite occurs in naturally-formed bundles that are long, sharp, and straight. This “blue” asbestos is harder and more brittle than other types of the mineral and can break easily, releasing dangerous needle-like fibers that are easily inhaled. Crocidolite, without a doubt, is the most lethal form of asbestos. It was often used in making yarns and rope lagging, and as a reinforcement material for plastics.
Anthophyllite Asbestos
Anthophyllite asbestos, also known as “brown” asbestos, is composed predominantly of iron and magnesium. Its fibers are known to be long and flexible. Of the amphibole subclass, brown asbestos can be found in many talc mines and has been associated with some respiratory disorders. It is not conclusively associated with mesothelioma as other varieties of asbestos are. Because of its rarity, anthophyllite was not often used in consumer products, but could be found in some cement products and insulating materials.
Actinolite Asbestos
Actinolite asbestos is a variety of the subclassification of amphibole asbestos and, as such, its makeup and consistency is similar to other forms of this subset. Made predominantly of magnesium, actinolite asbestos is extremely rare and ranges in color from white to dark brown. Actinolite was not known to be used in asbestos products because of its rarity, but is known to be found in metamorphic rock. As with all forms of asbestos, actinolite is a known carcinogen that can cause mesothelioma cancer.
Asbestos Facts and Statistics
Although the use of asbestos in the United States was essentially halted in the late 1970s, with just a few exceptions, this toxic mineral has continued to have a real impact on the country during the last 30 years. The lives of many individuals have been adversely affected by previous asbestos exposure and this mineral can still be found throughout the country, particularly in old homes, factories, and commercial buildings. This continued presence of asbestos means that it is likely that more individuals will be impacted by the mineral in the years to come.The U.S. Office of Compliance, charged with “advancing safety, health, and workplace rights”, as well as several other organizations concerned with asbestos and the dangers of exposure, report the following with regards to asbestos:
- Asbestos has been declared a “known human carcinogen,” having been commonly associated with asbestos cancer.
- The peak of asbestos use occurred from the late 1930s through the end of the 1970s.
- Though anyone who was exposed to asbestos can develop asbestos-related diseases, US Navy veterans who served during World War II and the Korean Conflict have the highest incidence of these diseases.
- Some 30 million pounds of asbestos are still used each year in the United States.
- The number one cause of occupational cancer in the United States is asbestos, even more than 30 years after its use was essentially halted. Asbestos accounts for 54 percent of all occupational cancers, according to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.
- Since asbestos guidelines were issued in 1979, approximately 45,000 Americans have died of asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma.
- 10,000 Americans will die this year of asbestos-related diseases (including lung cancer and mesothelioma cancer) and 200,000 are currently living with asbestosis.
- Asbestos is still mined in several countries throughout the world, including Canada, and is exported to many industrialized and developing countries.
- No amount of asbestos exposure is safe; however, the longer and more intense the exposure, the more likely an individual is to develop mesothelioma cancer or another asbestos disease.
- Exposure to asbestos can also increase the likelihood of other types of lung cancer. Smoking also exacerbates asbestos-related diseases.
- Asbestos can still be found in myriad homes, schools, and commercial or industrial buildings.
- Asbestos was once used in more than 3,000 consumer products, including common household items such as toasters and hair dryers, some of which may still be in use.
Handling Asbestos and Safe Asbestos Removal
Asbestos that is contained and left undisturbed is normally safe. However, when it becomes agitated, broken or otherwise destroyed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and pose a danger to yourself and others around you.How you handle asbestos may depend on the setting, whether you are at work, at a remote job site, or at home:
At Work
Always follow all OSHA rules and regulations related to handling materials or products that may contain asbestos. Failure to do so can result in strict penalties, not to mention severe health problems for you and others.
At a Job Site
Contractors are required to follow strict federal guidelines related to asbestos abatement for demolition and renovation projects of commercial facilities, public buildings, and residences with more than 4 units.
At Home
Most single-family residential homes are not required to follow the same regulations as workplaces. However, it is still important for you to take the appropriate precautions when making DIY renovations of your house.
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