Asbestos
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines asbestos as “the name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals that are resistant to heat and corrosion.” Asbestos includes the mineral fibers chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite and any of these materials that have been chemically treated or altered. The asbestos types are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, each fiber (particulate with length substantially greater than width) being composed of many microscopic "fibrils" that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and other processes.
Asbestos has been used in over 3000 types of products, including, but not limited to, pipe insulation, floor tiles, building materials, and vehicle brakes and clutches. Archaeological studies have found evidence of asbestos being used as far back as the Stone Age to strengthen ceramic pots. Large-scale mining began at the end of the 19th century when manufacturers and builders began using asbestos for its desirable physical properties as an excellent thermal and electrical insulator. Because asbestos is highly fire resistant, it was very commonly used across the world as a building material so for much of the 20th century until its adverse effects on human health were more widely recognized and acknowledged in the 1970s. Many buildings constructed before 1980 contain asbestos.
Significant asbestos exposures are more prevalent in the construction industry and in ship repair, particularly during the removal of asbestos materials due to renovation, repairs, or demolition. The OSHA General Industry Standard for Asbestos, 29 CFR 1910.1001, covers employees performing maintenance activities not associated with construction work. Demolition and/or renovation activities are considered construction -related activities and this work is covered under the Construction Industry Asbestos Standard, 29 CFR 1926.1101.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines asbestos as “the name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals that are resistant to heat and corrosion.” Asbestos includes the mineral fibers chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite and any of these materials that have been chemically treated or altered. The asbestos types are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, each fiber (particulate with length substantially greater than width) being composed of many microscopic "fibrils" that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and other processes.
Asbestos has been used in over 3000 types of products, including, but not limited to, pipe insulation, floor tiles, building materials, and vehicle brakes and clutches. Archaeological studies have found evidence of asbestos being used as far back as the Stone Age to strengthen ceramic pots. Large-scale mining began at the end of the 19th century when manufacturers and builders began using asbestos for its desirable physical properties as an excellent thermal and electrical insulator. Because asbestos is highly fire resistant, it was very commonly used across the world as a building material so for much of the 20th century until its adverse effects on human health were more widely recognized and acknowledged in the 1970s. Many buildings constructed before 1980 contain asbestos.
Significant asbestos exposures are more prevalent in the construction industry and in ship repair, particularly during the removal of asbestos materials due to renovation, repairs, or demolition. The OSHA General Industry Standard for Asbestos, 29 CFR 1910.1001, covers employees performing maintenance activities not associated with construction work. Demolition and/or renovation activities are considered construction -related activities and this work is covered under the Construction Industry Asbestos Standard, 29 CFR 1926.1101.