Asbestos, Marvellous But Malevolent

Asbestos is not a synthetic compound as one might expect but is a mineral found naturally in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Minerals are inorganic substances that occur naturally and have a solid form. Asbestos crystals are unique as they exist in a fibrous thin elongated form and during asbestos mining the rocks are crushed and then blown to release the fibres. Depending on the crystalline structure of the fibres the asbestos can be grouped either as “Serpentine” if they are in layered sheets or “Amphibole” if they are chain-like. Types of asbestos in the Serpentine group include chrysotile, tremolite, amosite, actinolite and crocidolite while anthophyllite belongs to the Amphibole group. Chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite are also known as white, brown and blue asbestos respectively and it is these forms that are predominantly used in industrial applications. In the 1950s the use of asbestos in building materials became commonplace and it was frequently used in combination with other materials because of its distinctive and useful properties.

Most forms of asbestos are chemically inert (non-reactive) to other chemicals and can therefore protect against corrosion. Asbestos is also an excellent insulator as it has the ability to lock in heat and keep out cold. The fibres are also odourless and insoluble and will not evaporate in air. In addition asbestos is fire resistant and therefore the combination of all these properties makes it suitable for a range of applications commercially including building materials and textiles. It was in the 1980s that the first ban in the use of asbestos was introduced due to health and safety concerns. Four main diseases are associated with exposure to and specifically the inhalation of asbestos fibres namely asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and non-malignant pleural disease.

Due to its widespread use in the building industry prior to the year 2000 there is numerous potential for exposure to this hazardous substance and stringent processes need to be followed for the removal of asbestos. Asbestos removal services need to comply with health and safety regulations to protect workers involved and also to ensure that the asbestos is appropriately contained once it has been removed. In the United Kingdom a leading Trade Association offers accreditation to contractors offering asbestos related services to ensure that the highest standards in asbestos services are maintained. The association also offers various training courses pertaining to asbestos including how to safely remove and handle asbestos. Accredited contractors offer asbestos related services including removals, surveys and expert consultations. The emphasis when offering removal services for this wondrous but highly hazardous substance is ensuring the safety of all involved in the process from the clients to the contractors while limiting environmental impact.

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