CPC Environmental

Asbestos is the generic term for a huge array of naturally occurring minerals that crystallise to form long thin fibres and fibre bundles. Most common is the serpentine group, which includes chrysotile (white asbestos) and which has been the most frequently mined. A 2nd asbestos group known as the amphiboles includes crocidolite (blue asbestos) and amosite (brown asbestos) The fibres have high tensile strength, and chemical, electrical and heat resistance - properties that made asbestos extremely useful as a building/insulation material, which was why asbestos proved to be so popular prior to its ban for use in 1985.