What is asbestos?

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six natural mineral fibers. These fibers are known for their strength and fire- and chemical-resistant properties. Because of these qualities, the manufacturing and building industries have used asbestos to:

• Strengthen cement and plastics.
• Provide insulation.
• Fireproof buildings, textiles and military vehicles.
• Absorb sound.

Asbestos fibers may be white, blue, brown, gray or green. The white fibers, called chrysotile, are the most commonly used in the United States.