The dangers to human health by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers has been well documented and published in recent decades, and most people know that asbestos can cause several serious respiratory diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma . But perhaps what is less known is the extent to which one can still find asbestos in industrial and residential properties.
Below is a list of some of the most common products containing asbestos, and at the same time the production of such items is prohibited in many Western countries, these products still exist today in our buildings.
Absestos bitumen
It is used in waterproofing courses, covering the bottom, flashing, trim channel and roof shingles. This type of material has a low risk of fiber release in normal conditions.
Asbestos cloth
Woven asbestos fibers in the tissue to minimize fiber release to the environment, provided that the material is not cut. But asbestos cloth becomes more fragile with age. This type of product can be found as insulation and boilers, furnaces and fireplaces.
Composite materials
Anything containing 20-50% asbestos, composite materials have been used for a wide range of products such as car batteries, ramps, seating, toilet tanks. However, because the process used to create the material, the fibers are unlikely to escape, even if the material is cut.
Floor Tiles
Although the potential for fiber release is low under normal conditions, may be issued when the tiles are cut. And if the floor is polished after removal of the tiles so it is very likely to release fibers into the surrounding space. Floor tiles are usually included in up to 25% asbestos.
Security Guards
Asbestos was commonly used in these types of products, and in many cases made from 100% asbestos.
Insulated panels
Often found in fire doors, partition walls, ceiling panels, domestic boilers, and furnace linings. Manufacture of asbestos products, insulation panels continued to do until 1980. They can contain up to 40% asbestos.
Spray coatings
Spray paints containing asbestos is quite a bit 'up to 85%, and the fibers can be released, if the surface is damaged, or if the coating must be separated from the underlying surface. In this case, the possibility of dust build up dangerous. Spray paints containing asbestos were used until the end of the mid-1970.
Textured Ceilings
Artex is produced until 1999, contained a small amount of chrysotile (range 3-5%), but because of the existing stocks remain available for asbestos have been found covered with hoods later than 2004.
Pipe Lagging
Asbestos was widely used in the pre-formed for the isolation and often painted with latex, PVC or bitumen that encapsulates the fibers.
AsbestosPaper
This is usually 100% chrysotile, and if not glued to another product such as bitumen, or vinyl (in the case of floor tiles), then the fibers can easily be released because of the ease with which it brings in the paper or damaged . It 'was used for roofing felt, damp-proof course of walls and floors.
Spray Coatings
Spray coatings contain a relatively high proportion of up to 85% asbestos and can release fibers when the surface is damaged or if the coating is separated from the substrate. If this happens, it is possible to accumulate hazardous dust. Spray roof coatings containing asbestos were used until the mid-1970s.
Asbestos cement
It contains 10-15% asbestos, mostly chrysotile, but the fibers are encased in concrete material. They only pose a health risk if the material is divided, in particular the use of power tools. Large supermarkets in time, such as industrial roofing over time can cause the concrete panels, asbestos panels form the roof to break down and release the fibers.
