Asbestos is a mineral that can be found floating in the natural environment. It is composed of strands of separable fibers that are resistant to heat and friction. Because asbestos fibers are durable and heat resistant, they have been used for a variety of building products and other materials such as brake pads, clutch and transmission parts.

In its natural state, asbestos is not harmful. However, if broken down or disturbed, the fibers separate and may remain suspended in the air for long periods of time. The fibers are microscopic and can be easily inhaled. When inhaled, the loose fibers can settle in the lungs, stomach or heart and may cause irritation, which can eventually lead to the development of an asbestos-related illness such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer.

Where are asbestos fibers found?

Asbestos was widely used in the 20 th century, with its peak use falling between the 1950s and 1975. Asbestos was considered to be an ideal material to work with in a variety of building, maritime, industrial and automotive products because of it strength and resistance to heat and friction. Following is a list of some products that were made with asbestos fibers:

• Building products: roofing, shingles, vinyl floor tile and wall coverings, cement sidings, shingles, asphalt floor tiles, decorative plaster and textured paint and coating
• Industrial products: welding blankets and screens, fire dampers and fire stop flaps, emergency generators and cooling towers
• Insulation: electrical wiring insulation, internal insulation and incinerators, thermal proofing for pipes, boilers and electrical wiring insulation
• Automotive products: Thermal insulation and exhaust manifolds, break linings and clutch pads (high friction products)
• Textiles, cloth products: Because the fibers are cloth-like, meaning they can be woven into textiles, but are resistant to heat, they were used for various forms of protective gear for firefighters, protective cloth covering and blankets, yarn, cords and gloves
• Home appliances : gas-fired decorative logs, portable heaters and dishwashers, coffee pots, irons, popcorn poppers, crock pots, toasters, wood burning stoves and fireplaces and handheld hairdryers

Asbestos fibers were used for many other products as well up until the mid-1970s when their dangers became publicized. The use of asbestos fibers has since been banned in most industries, though some older products may still contain the toxic fibers.