Asbestos and Its Uses
The name "asbestos" comes from the Greek meaning "inextinguishable". It is the name given to a group of six silicate minerals, the three most common of which are :-
| Chrysotile (white asbestos) |
Amosite (brown asbestos) |
Crocidolite (blue asbestos) |
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It is mined like coal in many countries around the world and due to it's thermal insulation properties has been used in a large number of building materials. The four main uses of asbestos are as follows :-
 Spray asbestos coatings (fire protection) and pipework insulation lagging.
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 Low density, soft surfaced, thermal insulation board - asbestolux (A.I.B) and millboard.
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 High density, hard surfaced materials - asbestos cement products - this is by far the most common use - principally containing Chrysotile. |
 Ropes, yarns, cloths, gaskets, plastic, paper, artex and linoleum floor tiles.
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Asbestos has been used in literally hundreds of applications and is found in many locations. Below is a guide to the main types of uses we have encountered.
- Floor tiles and sheet flooring
- Construction mastics & putties
- Acoustic/decorative plaster or artex
- Textured paints/coatings
- Ceiling tiles/panels
- Gaskets
- Spray coatings
- Pipework lagging
- Water tanks
- Lift shaft linings
- Soffits/fascia boards
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- Brake linings
- Bituminous felts
- Roofs, gutters, downpipes
- Wall panels
- Door linings
- Fire safes/filing cabinets
- Taping compounds (thermal)
- Packing materials - floor & walls
- Loft insulation
- Ventilation system linings/laggings
- School blackboards
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