Translated from the Greek the asbestos means inexhaustible, inextinguishable, unflagging. Another name of this natural material is amianthus. This is because it consists of subtle long fibers. The concept of asbestos brings together a large group of natural fibrous materials: serpentine (chrysotile) and amphibole (anthophylite, rhodusite, actinolite). They differ from each other in terms of composition, crystal structure, physico-chemical properties and characteristics of the biological effects on the human organism. All of these materials have a risk factor, especially in the conditions of high particulate air pollution in the industrial areas. In this connection, the chrysotile asbestos in comparison with other types of this material has much lower biological activity. That is why, today, the chrysotile asbestos is widely used in the manufacturing of asbestos-containing products. This is one type of asbestos that widely distributed throughout the world.
The areas of chrysotile asbestos use are very broad. Today there are more than 3000 products in which chrysotile asbestos is used as a component. Approximately 15 % of the total asbestos composition of the starting material can fundamentally change the physical and mechanical properties of the product. For example, the resistance of asbestos to high temperature makes it suitable for the production of firefighters clothing, as well as for the protection of cables and premises from fire. High mechanical strength allows its use in the manufacturing of brake pads, friction pads, etc. Resistance to decay, the ability to hold bacteria, harmful substances and radiation emissions allow the use of asbestos in the filters of food, nuclear and pharmaceutical industries. The special binding strength, elasticity and strength of the fibers of chrysotile asbestos – are properties required for the production of asbestos and textiles for reinforcing plastics. The stability of the chemical composition, flexibility and strength are required in the manufacturing of stamped paper, banknotes, etc.
Unlike chrysotile asbestos, the amphibole asbestos has a bad reputation. In the middle of the XX century this material was widely used in the construction industry. In the late 1980s, large industrial enterprises, producing asbestos products were closed. The reasons for the anti-asbestos campaign have been associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality rates due to uncontrolled use of asbestos. Scientific studies have shown that one in ten men, who came into contact with asbestos, were suffering from lung disease caused by asbestos fibers. That is why, numerous institutions, as well as the owners of private homes started to take appropriate measures, to replace this harmful for health material from the building constructions. However, it is necessary to stress that any mechanical effect on the asbestos exceeds the concentration of asbestos fibers in the air. Therefore, in case you do not have all the necessary equipment and protective clothing, you should not try to remove the asbestos. Asbestos removal requires special skills and knowledge of rules of safety from workers. Today, many modern companies offer asbestos removal services. Therefore, if you want to get rid of this harmful material in your home, it is better to entrust this work to professionals.
D.Tokareva for http://brucenv.com asbestos removal alpharetta
