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Last Updated on 12th December 2024 by max2021
Asbestos, a word that makes us all cautious, is a group of natural minerals that have been used for their amazing properties.
Heat-resistant, strong and insulating, asbestos fibres were once the backbone of industrial and construction. But beneath these benefits lies a deadly legacy, the composition of asbestos is dangerous when disturbed.
Knowing what asbestos is made of is key to understanding why it was so widely used and why it’s now so heavily regulated.
This blog, by Armco Surveys, will look into its composition, its natural formation, its unique properties and why it’s so dangerous, so property owners and those concerned about asbestos exposure can get the information they need.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that belongs to the silicate family. It’s fibrous, each fibre is made up of fine, flexible strands.
These fibres are durable, heat, electricity and chemical resistant which made asbestos a highly sought-after material in industries such as construction, automotive and shipbuilding in the 20th century.
Asbestos is not one substance but a collective term for six different minerals that have similar characteristics. These are chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite and anthophyllite.
Each type has slightly different chemical composition but all have the same structure that makes them good for insulation and fireproofing but hazardous to health when airborne.
At its core asbestos is a silicate mineral, meaning it’s primarily made up of silicon and oxygen. These elements form a layered crystal structure that gives asbestos its fibrous and durable properties.
Depending on the type asbestos may also contain other elements such as magnesium, iron, calcium or sodium which gives it heat and chemical resistance.
The six types of asbestos have different chemical composition. For example, chrysotile or white asbestos is made of magnesium silicate.
Crocidolite or blue asbestos is made of sodium iron silicate while amosite or brown asbestos is made of iron magnesium silicate.
These variations in composition give them different physical properties and applications but all are equally hazardous when inhaled.
The composition of asbestos directly affects its properties, making it both useful and dangerous. The silicate structure allows asbestos to withstand extreme heat and fire, that’s why it was used as an insulating material.
Its fibrous nature gives it high tensile strength, that’s why it’s used as reinforcement in cement, roofing materials and pipes.
But the same composition that gives it these benefits also makes it a health hazard. The fibres are very fine and lightweight, they can easily become airborne when disturbed.
Once inhaled they lodge in the lungs where their durability prevents the body from breaking them down. This leads to serious health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestos is formed naturally over millions of years through geological processes.
It develops in metamorphic rocks under high pressure and temperature conditions where minerals like silicon, oxygen and various metals crystallise into a fibrous structure.
This natural formation gives asbestos its layered and flexible fibres which are resistant to wear and tear.
Asbestos deposits are found all over the world, significant reserves were mined in countries like Russia, Canada and South Africa.
While its natural formation is interesting, the widespread mining and use of asbestos has left us with long-term environmental and health problems as the material remains hazardous even after extraction.
The hazard of asbestos lies in its fibrous composition. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, microscopic fibres are released into the air. These fibres are sharp and durable and can penetrate lung tissue when inhaled.
Over time they cause inflammation and scarring which leads to chronic respiratory problems such as asbestosis or more severe diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
The durability of asbestos fibres is a double-edged sword. While it made asbestos a reliable construction material, its resistance to degradation means it can remain in the environment and the human body for decades.
This long latency period is why many asbestos-related diseases are diagnosed years after exposure, that’s why the hazard is ongoing.
Knowing the composition of asbestos is key to identifying it and managing its risks. Knowing the chemical and physical properties of different types of asbestos helps professionals determine where it may be present and how to handle or remove it safely.
This is especially important during renovations or demolitions where the risk of exposure is highest.
Today there are strict regulations on the use, handling and disposal of asbestos. Alternatives to asbestos like fibreglass and cellulose fibres have been developed to provide safer options.
But the legacy of asbestos use continues to affect many old buildings so education and awareness about its composition and risks are important for public health.
Asbestos was once hailed as a wonder material for its versatility and durability, now it’s a major public health issue.
Its silicate mineral composition is the reason for its industrial usefulness and the cause of its deadly effects when misused.
Knowing what asbestos is made of not only gives us insight into its past but also the importance of safe practices for its management today.
If you suspect asbestos in your property, professional advice is key. By being aware and taking action we can continue to reduce the risks of asbestos and have safer environments for future generations.
Published Nov 19, 2024
