DOH informational document defining asbestos types, n.d.

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

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Wil HI a ■s ♦ “Asbestos” is the name given to u group of < minerals that occur naturally as masses of fibers, which can be separate into thin threads and woven. There are four main types of asbestos: □ Chrysotile or white a^jestos (fine, diky, flex­ si / 7- f ible white fibers^ □ Amosite (straight, brittle fibers that are light grey to pde brown in color); □ Crocidolite or blue asbestos (straight, blue -i fibers); and o Anthophylite (britfle, white fibers) / Because these fibers are not affected by heat or ■1 chemicals and because they do not conduct electricity, asbestos is widely used in many industries. The fiber masses have a tendency to 'i break easUy into a dust of tiny partides that & 4 can float in the air, stick to dothes, and may ..r''? s be easily inhaled or swallowed. TO.?':.?

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5: 4 ow is asbestos used? 1 *■

s Asbestos has been mined and used commer­ cially in North America since 1880, but its use increased greatly during World 5^ n. Asbes­ tos has been us^ in many industries during the past four decades. For example, the building and construction industry uses it for strength­ ening cement and plastics as wdl as for heat insulation, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industry has used ad>estc» to insulate boilers, steiaiiTOrlipes, hot water pipes, and nuclear reactors in ships. Because of its t good friction and wear characteristics, asbestos is a component of the brakeshoes and cluich- pads of cars and trucks. It is estimated that patents have been issued for more than 5,000 1 different asbestos-containing products. ... 4

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