1. ASBESTOS MINERALOGY Fibrous silicates. Thin crystalline fibres.
Split longitudinally.
Common types:
(i) chrysotile (white) - serpentine
(ii) amosite (brown)
(iii) crocidolite (blue)
(iv) tremolite
(v) actinolite
(vi) anthophyllite.

2. ASBESTOS PROPERTIES Tensile Strength. Heat resistant.
Chemical Resistant.
Can be woven.
Insulating properties.

3. ASBESTOS USES More than 3,000. Friction products (brake, clutch).
Building products (asbestos cement).
Insulation (fire).
Fabric (blankets, gloves etc).

4. ASBESTOS ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASES Asbestosis scarring of lungs
reduced lung function
can cause death
high concentration and time.

5. ASBESTOS ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASES Pleural Plaques
thickening of pleura
not fatal.
Mesothelioma

6. ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASES
Mesothelioma
cancer of pleura or peritoneum
rare, most associated with asbestos
invariably fatal
associated with low exposures as well
latency years
blue and brown most potent.

7. Lung Cancer ( Bronchial carcinoma )
ASBESTOS
ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASES
Lung Cancer ( Bronchial carcinoma )
mainly associated with high exposures
all types of asbestos
smoking greatly increases risk.
Multiplied risk ( smoking x asbestos )

8. CONTROLS Eliminate ( do not use at all )
Substitute (replacements available for most products).
Enclosure (buildings and industrial processes).
Isolation (often possible in buildings).
Engineering (ventilation commonly used).
Work Process ( to reduce exposure by rotation)
Protective equipment (respirators).

9. ASBESTOS LEGISLATION ( FMD Asbestos Process Regulation, 1986 )
PEL 1 f/ml. of air
Exhaust equipment.
Protective equipment.( clothing/resp)
Medical examinations. ( at least 2 yrs )
Monitoring-personal ( < 3 mthly )
Training.