Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral whose fibers are extremely strong and resistant to high temperatures, making it widely used for thermal and sound insulation, as well as a fireproof material.

Where can we encounter it?

Asbestos-containing products can most commonly be found in insulation materials, asbestos cement sheets, packaging, industrial seals, and vehicle brake pads and clutch discs. The most widespread use is in asbestos cement and sprayed asbestos. The most commonly used asbestos cement contains about 10-15% asbestos fibers, which are significantly bound by cement in the finished product, so the dangerous asbestos fibers are only released into the air if the material is damaged. However, sprayed asbestos is the most dangerous asbestos product for human health, as it contains about 90% asbestos fibers with minimal cement binding them, leading to a high risk of airborne contamination.