What Is Asbestos
What Is Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that is mined from the ground. The word asbestos is derived from a Greek adjective meaning inextinguishable. The “miracle mineral” as it was referred to by the Greeks, was admired for its soft and pliant properties as well as its ability to withstand heat. Asbestos does not conduct electricity, can withstand temperatures above 2000 Degreed Fahrenheit and is also impervious to most known chemicals. Asbestos is used in building materials as insulation, fire proofing, binders and fillers. Asbestos can still be found in building materials sold today.
![]() Amosite Asbestos |
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Pictures are provided by EMSL Analytical Inc.
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Sample List of Suspect Asbestos Containing Materials Note: The following list does not include every product/material that may contain asbestos. It is intended as a general guide to show which types of materials may contain asbestos. |
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Popcorn Ceiling | Elevator Brake Shoes |
Cement Wallboard |
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Cement Siding | Boiler Insulation |
Asphalt Floor Tile | Breaching Insulation |
Vinyl Floor Tile | Ductwork Flexible Fabric Connections |
Vinyl Sheet Flooring | Cooling Towers |
Flooring Backing | Pipe Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.) |
Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.) | Heating and Electrical Ducts |
Acoustical Plaster | Electrical Panel Partitions |
Decorative Plaster | Electrical Cloth |
Textured Paints/Coatings | Electric Wiring Insulation |
Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in | Panels Chalkboards |
Spray-Applied Insulation | Roofing Shingles |
Blown-in Insulation | Roofing Felt |
Fireproofing Materials | Base Flashing |
Taping Compounds (thermal) | Thermal Paper Products |
Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations) | Fire Doors |
High Temperature Gaskets | Caulking/Putties |
Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops | Adhesives |
Laboratory Gloves | Wallboard |
Fire Blankets | Joint Compounds |
Fire Curtains Vinyl | Wall Coverings |
Elevator Equipment Panels | Spackling Compounds |
These are some materials that contain asbestos, Asbestos in floor tiles, Boiler pipe insulation, and Popcorn ceiling texture: