Asbestos is a generic term given to six, naturally-occurringminerals. These minerals have been used in a variety of commercial products. They consist of thin and long fibrous bundles that become easily separated when there is deterioration or damage to the asbestos feature.

Asbestos is a very resilient material that has insulating properties. It is also highly resistant to electricity, chemicals and heat and can also be woven into a fabric like material, making it very useful in various commercial products.

Where is Asbestos Found?

This metamorphic mineral can be found under the ground across the globe. The very first commercial asbestos mines were situated outside of Quebec, Canada. For a number of years Canada was the front-runner in the asbestos-production space.Historically, asbestos has been mined and utilised by numerous industries throughout the world.

It was once considered to be an extremely useful material due to its strength, affordability and flexibility as well as its properties such as electricity and heat insulation. This is why it was very commonly used in the construction of commercial buildings and homes. Exposure to asbestos fibres can result in life-threatening illnesses which is why it is now banned in 61 different countries including Australia.

There Are Six Different Types Of Asbestos Fibres:

  • Tremolite
  • Anthophylite
  • Actinolite
  • Chrysotile (white asbestos)
  • Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
  • Amosite (brown/grey asbestos)

Asbestos in Australia

Up until the 1980’s Australia was one of the countries with the highest rates of asbestos utilisation per person, in the world. This mineral was mined in the country until 1984, and 1.5Mtonnes of asbestos was also imported between the years 1930 and 1983. But on 31 December 2003 it was ultimately banned in Australia.

About Asbestos Containing Materials

ACMs (Asbestos Containing Materials) can be hazardous if they aren’t properly maintained or even removed carefully. The two types of materials that contain asbestos are:

  • Non-Friable Asbestos– Asbestos fibres mixed with certain other materials like cement. This material is very commonly found in commercial buildings and homes in Australia. If it is broken or damaged, it might cause asbestos fibres to be released into the air.
  • Friable Asbestos– This asbestos variant is far more likely to become quickly airborne because itcan very easily be reduced to powder orcrumbled (e.g.insulation).

We at BreathEASY are an asbestos removal company that has been approved by the Australian Government. We can handle asbestos removal projects of any scale and complexity. For more information on our services, feel free to contact us by calling 02 8093 5461 or request a free quote via this form and we will respond shortly.