What is asbestos? Asbestos is the name given to a group of
naturally occurring minerals that are resistant to heat and
corrosion. Asbestos has been used in products, such as
insulation for pipes (steam lines for example), floor tiles,
building materials, and in vehicle brakes and clutches. Asbestos
includes the mineral fibers chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite,
tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite and any of these materials
that have been chemically treated or altered. Heavy exposures
tend to occur in the construction industry and in ship repair,
particularly during the removal of asbestos materials due to
renovation, repairs, or demolition. Workers are also likely to
be exposed during the manufacture of asbestos products (such as
textiles, friction products, insulation, and other building
materials) and during automotive brake and clutch repair work.
What are the hazards of asbestos? Asbestos is well recognized as
a health hazard and its use is now highly regulated by both OSHA
and EPA. Asbestos fibers associa