Asbestos an important insulating material; its varieties, properties and safe uses.

Abstract

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has been widely utilized in industries producing cement, pipes, roofing sheet and insulating materials. In spite of sharp decrease in the production of asbestos worldwide, the use of asbestos in various products is increasing in the developing countries of Asian-African region, due to their magical properties of commercial importance. This paper describes the various physical & chemical properties, health hazards of the asbestos fibre and its utilization in various product development.