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Asbestos
(pronounced /ęsˈbɛstəs/ or /ęzˈbɛstəs/) is a set of six
naturally occurring silicate minerals used commercially for
their desirable physical properties.[1] They all have in
common their eponymous, asbestiform habit: long, (1:20) thin
fibrous crystals. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause
serious illnesses, including malignant lung cancer,
mesothelioma (a formerly rare cancer strongly associated with
exposure to amphibole asbestos), and asbestosis (a type of
pneumoconiosis). Long exposure to high concentrations of
asbestos fibers is more likely to cause health problems.This
is most common among the miners of asbestos, since they have
the longest exposure to it. The European Union has banned all
use of asbestos[2] and extraction, manufacture and processing
of asbestos products.[3]
Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and
builders in the late 19th century because of its sound
absorption, average tensile strength, and its resistance to
fire, heat, electrical and chemical damage. It was used in
such applications as electrical insulation for hotplate wiring
and in building insulation. When asbestos is used for its
resistance to fire or heat, the fibers are often mixed with
cement (resulting in fiber cement) or woven into fabric or
mats. Commercial asbestos mining began in the Eastern
Townships of Quebec, Canada and the world's largest asbestos
mine is located in the town of Asbestos, Quebec. |
