You have heard of the dangers of asbestos and precautions that must be taken to limit asbestos exposure. It is clear that this is a dangerous substance, so why is it used so much? What is asbestos and what makes it a substance that is so much used?
To answer these questions, we must return to history, to the earliest discovery and the use of asbestos- website .
Early asbestos
First, let us clarify what asbestos is made from. Asbestos is a fibrous silicate ingredient that occurs naturally. It was formed through a collection of mineral crystals in soft stone formation cracks. This is mined and separated carefully from rocks to avoid cracking thin fiber. Asbestos fibers collected are then sorted by length, which will determine the application in which they can be used and their commercial values.
The earliest use of asbestos is around 2500 BC. When mixed with clay to form stronger equipment and ceramic pots. Initially written references from 300 BC. Show that Greeks use it to make lights and fireproof axes. Asbestos has been used in many other objects since then because it has several unique and useful traits.
The most significant asbestos property is its durability against fire and heat. This alone can be used for dozens of things, but that is not the only profit. This is also an excellent electrical insulator and has great chemical resistance, tensile strength, and sound absorption nature. It can also be woven into cloth. With so many useful properties, it’s no wonder why asbestos is used in many ways until the end of the 20th century.
Asbestos use
Asbestos has been used in various fields for various items, from heat-resistant clothes to cars to Christmas decorations. At one point it is even used as an abrasive in toothpaste and as a filter to filter fruit juice.
But if there is one field in which it is most widely used, it will be constructed. Because many of its physical properties are very good, this is the ideal construction material, that is, until you consider the harmful effects on our health.
Asbestos has been used to strengthen cement products used in construction such as pipes, sheets, and shingles. It has also been used in electric cable isolation, floor coverings, and many other building materials. At present, some countries continue to use it to strengthen concrete products, where asbestos fibers are locked in concrete.
Protect from asbestos risk
Although producers and construction workers are now very careful when handling asbestos and asbestos that contain ingredients, we know what the risk is for our health. We should be safe than sick and sorry. For this reason, it is best to have a thorough professional check your place for asbestos and if found, immediately take steps to remove safe and fast asbestos.
It is best to ensure that asbestos is deleted. Sometimes, a simple visual examination is not enough. It is recommended to test things or to get the sample material to be tested for asbestos content. Getting asbestos samples is best handed over to experts and to remove samples safely for testing, the following must be observed:
- Seals from the sample area must be taken; Make sure there are no pets or children around.
- Wear protective equipment, asbestos toxic when inhaled, digested, or if entering the human body so gloves, masks, and wear of the protective eye are recommended.
- Mix water with a little detergent and place it in a spray bottle, this will be used to reduce the sample to be removed so that the minimum release of air asbestos fibers.
- Use appropriate tools to collect material; It is recommended to ensure that all layers of material are taken to the sample to be comprehensive.
- Place the amount of material enough into the zip-lock plastic bag and the lid, and double the zip-lock bag to ensure that the material is not spilled.
- Send samples collected to Nata-accredited asbestos testing facilities.