Bank finance articles and tips

The hazards posed to human health by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres have been well-documented and publicised over the past few decades and most people will know that asbestos exposure can cause a number of serious lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. But perhaps what is less well-known is the extent to which we can still find asbestos on both industrial and residential buildings.

Below is a list of some of the most common uses of asbestos-containing products and whilst the production of such items is banned in most western countries, these product still exist in our buildings today.

Absestos Bitumen

Used in damp-proof courses, coatings for the underside of car bodies, flashings, gutter linings and roof shingles. This type of material has a low risk of releasing fibres under normal conditions.

Asbestos Cloth

Weaving asbestos fibres into fabric minimises fibre release to the surroundings provided the material is not cut. But asbestos cloth will become more friable over time. This type of product can be found as pipe lagging and in boilers, ovens and chimney flues.

Composite Materials

Containing anything between 20 - 50% asbestos, composite materials have been used for a wide range of products such as car batteries, banisters, seats, toilet cisterns. However, because of the process used to create the material, fibres are unlikely to be released even if the material is cut.

Floor Tiles

Although the chances of fibres being release from are low under normal conditions, they can be release when the tiles are cut. And if the floor is sanded after removal of the tiles then this is very likely to release fibres into the surrounding space. Floor tiles typically contained up to 25% asbestos.

Fuse Guards

Asbestos was widely used for this type of product and in many cases consisted of 100% asbestos fibres.

Insulation Boards

Often found in fire doors, wall partitions, ceiling panels, domestic boilers and oven linings. The manufacture of asbestos containing insulation boards continued up until 1980. They can contain up to 40% asbestos.

Spray Coatings

Spray coatings contain a relatively high proportion of asbestos up to 85% and can release fibres if the surface is damaged or if the coating becomes separated from the underlying surface. If this happens there is the possibility of hazardous dust building up. Spray coatings containing asbestos were used up until the mid-1970s.

Textured Ceilings

Artex produced up until 1999 contained low amounts of chrysotile (between 3 - 5%) but because of existing stocks still being available asbestos has been found in ceilings coated as late as 2004.

Pipe Lagging

Asbestos was widely used in pre-formed sections for pipe lagging and often painted with latex, PVC or bitumen which encapsulated the fibres.

AsbestosPaper

This is usually 100% chrysotile and if not bonded to another product such as bitumen or vinyl (in the case of floor tiles) then fibres can easily be release due to the ease with which paper is worn or damaged. It was used as a lining for roofing felt, damp-proof course, wall cladding and flooring.

Spray Coatings

Spray coatings contain a relatively high proportion of asbestos up to 85% and can release fibres if the surface is damaged or if the coating becomes separated from the underlying surface. If this happens there is the possibility of hazardous dust building up. Spray roof coatings containing asbestos were used up until the mid-1970s.

Asbestos Cement

Contains 10-15% asbestos, most usually chrysotile, but the fibres are encased in the cement material. They only pose a health risk if the material is broken up, particularly with the use of power tools. Large surface areas subject to weathering like industrial roofing can, over time, cause the cement sheets forming the panels on asbestos roofs to break down and release the fibres.

The author has written and published articles on a wide range of topics including Contemporary Art, IT Software Services, Industrial Roofing, Asbestos Roof Issues and Project Management.

She is passionate about promoting the responsible and ethical use of the great resource that is the Internet.

By Michelle Symonds
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Symonds