group of highly stable, non-flammable silicate minerals with a fibrous structure
The roof of this building is made of asbestos
A piece of Asbestos
Fibers of Anthophyllite are what makes asbestos dangerous. This image was taken with an electron microscope

Asbestos is a set of six silicate minerals which occur naturally. White asbestos makes up 95% of the asbestos found in buildings. It occurs in all parts of the world. It is fibrous, heat resistant and non flammable. These properties made it very attractive as a component in building materials and other products such as insulation and automobile brake pads. People have used asbestos throughout history. Ancient Egyptian people used asbestos. Asbestos is extremely dangerous for human health, as it can cause lung diseases such as asbestosis, emphysema and mesothelioma if the fibres get loose in the air. It can also harm animals such as livestock or pets.

Asbestos was linked to lung cancer in the early 1970s,[1] and was replaced by other materials in most applications by 1980.

Types of asbestosEdit

There are six types of asbestos:


  • Fiberglass - This is the most popular substitute. Fiberglass is physically similar to asbestos and its safety is also being questioned. Fiberglass has been called "man-made asbestos".
  • Carbon fiber - Lighter weight than fiberglass or asbestos, but not heat resistant
  • Wood fiber mixed with cement (in non-heat applications)
  • Various polymer and plastic fibers
  • Asbestos rope can be replaced with synthetic or fiberglass rope.
  • Vermiculite insulation is a common substitute, although vermiculite itself can be contaminated with asbestos
  • Basalt fiber is a mineral fiber with properties similar to asbestos. It is suitable for high-heat applications.
  • Mineral wool is a common substitute that is popular in Europe
  • Silica aerogel is the best insulator available. It is non-fibrous and is not believed to cause cancer if inhaled into the lungs.


  1. Burke, Bill (6 May 2001) "Shipyards, a Crucible for Tragedy: Part 1: How the war created a monster" Virginian-Pilot Norfolk, Virginia (newspaper)

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