What is asbestos

What is asbestos? -

Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that have been mined for their useful properties such as thermal insulation chemical and thermal stability, and high tensile strength. Asbestos is commonly used as an acoustic insulator for thermal insulation fire proofing and in other building materials. Asbestos fibers are incredibly strong and have properties that make them resistant to heat. It is often found in ceiling tiles, pipe and vessel insulation, blown on to structural beams and ceiling, and in floor tiles. The term asbestos is derived from a Greek word meaning “inextinguishable, unquenchable or inconsumable.” It is a generic name for a group of fibrous silicate minerals.