About Asbestos

Types of Asbestos

Asbestos is the collective name given to the six different type of naturally occurring minerals used in commercial products. Each mineral is made up of silicon, oxygen, hydrogen and various metals, allowing the material to be used for its strength, flexibility, low electrical conductivity and resistance to heat and chemicals. Asbestos is made up of long individual fibres which require microscopic analysis to allow for positive identification. Below are the individual minerals in detail.

Chrysotile

Chrysotile is the most commonly found asbestos within products and structures. The fibres are white, soft and long under analysis allowing it to resist high temperatures.

Tremolite

 Tremolite fibres are found to be brown, grey, white or green. This type of asbestos was not used commercially, however it has been known for contaminating other minerals .

Amosite

Amosite is the second most commonly found asbestos, which can be identified by its straight, brown, coloured fibres. This type of asbestos was used mostly for insulation products.

Actinolite

Actinolite is similar to Tremolite and Anthophyllite, occurring as a contaminant to other minerals, albeit very rare. Under the microscopic analysis it appears dark green in colour.

Crocidolite

Crocidolite under microscopic analysis is composed of straight, blue coloured fibres which are considerably strong. It is deemed most dangerous due to its physical properties.  

Anthophyllite

 Anthophyllite was not used for commercial use, and is a rare mineral. This type of asbestos has a range of colours, from white to grey or even brown.  

Dangers of Asbestos

Mesothelioma


Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer developed in the outer lining of the body's organs, a result of exposure to asbestos fibres. It typically develops around 20 years after initial exposure. Diagnosis can be in the form of pleural mesothelioma, damage to the lining in the lungs or peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdomen. Unfortunately there is no cure for this form of cancer, however treatments can include chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a benign yet deadly lung condition caused by a prolonged exposure to asbestos. When asbestos containing materials are disturbed or damaged, asbestos fibres are released into the air. Asbestosis is the result of inhalation of these dangerous fibres, eventually causing scarring and inflammation of the lung tissue, restricting the natural movements of the lungs. No cure has been found after this disease has developed however treatments can include pulmonary rehabilitation and oxygen therapy.

Asbestos Regulations

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 - Regulation 4

The Control of Asbestos and Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) was prepared by the Health and Safety Executive to provide support and guidance to all duty holders on managing asbestos within their premises.

For more detail on the Regulation 4 - Duty of care, please follow the link below.

Regulation 4

The Construction (Design and  Management) Regulations 2015

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) provides guidance on the legal requirements for the construction process  from conception to completion.  Each duty holder must legally comply to ensure each project meets health and safety regulations and standards.

For more detail on CDM 2015, please follow the link below.

CDM 2015