Asbestos is the term used to describe the fibrous forms of naturally occurring minerals
mined from the Earth. Asbestos has been exploited for its useful
properties of:
- Flexibility
- High tensile strength
- Fire Resistance
- Excellent durability
- Resistance to chemical attack
- Insulating properties
Asbestos was used in many materials in Australia between the 1940’s and late 1980’s.
The use of all forms of asbestos has been banned in Australia since December 2003.
Asbestos containing material (ACM) is the term used to describe a material which
contains any of the regulated fibrous minerals. These include:
Chrysotile (White Asbestos) is classed as a sheet silicate and is a member of the
serpentine group. The other five types of asbestos are classed as chain silicates
and form part of the amphibole group. The amphibole fibres appear as straight needle-like
fibres, whereas the serpentine fibres are wavy in morphology. This difference does
not matter in terms of the health effects related to inhalation of asbestos fibres.
The main health effects include asbestosis, lung cancer and
mesothelioma. Breathing in asbestos fibres is dangerous to your health.
These diseases can take up to 50 years to develop. There may be some treatments
for asbestos related diseases, but there are currently no known cures.
Asbestos is not dangerous as long as it is kept in good condition (undamaged and
undisturbed). Work on ACM’s should only be carried out by experienced and highly
trained professionals.
