Asbestos Control Program

What  Is Asbestos

 
(above: an example of naturally occurring Asbestos)  

"Asbestos" is actually a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals. These minerals can be separated into microscopic fibers, which are resistant to heat, abrasion, chemicals, and non-conductive for electricity.  Due to these properties, asbestos was widely used in building construction materials, particularly between 1900 to 1980.

Asbestos was used in over 3,500 different products. Building products, which may contain asbestos include; pipe and furnace insulation, spray on insulation, floor coverings (tile and sheets), roofing, ceiling tiles and/or panels, decorative plaster, wall coverings, and exterior siding.  In addition, asbestos was widely used in other consumer products, such as sealants, gaskets, reinforced plastics, wire coverings, sound dampening, and at one time, cigarette filters.

Asbestos fibers can lead to serious illnesses, including cancer.

Please see our Health Effects page for more information.