About Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was mined and imported into this country from Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the former Soviet Union. These minerals are categorized into two groups.

The first are called "serpentines" and have a layered sheet-like structure. The second are called "amphilboles" and are chain-like. Asbestos is incredibly versatile and has been used most commonly as an insulator or fire retardant.

This mineral is unhealthy when it is inhaled and is only dangerous when it becomes airborne. Substantial exposure can cause scarring of the lung tissue called Asbestosis.

Asbestos can also lead to a cancer of the pleural lining called Mesothelioma, or malignant tumors of the bronchi covering.

The image shown here was taken using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This type of asbestos is an amphibole.

Click HERE to see where asbestos can be found in the home