Asbestos Awareness Course Presented by: Jonathan M. Davis, JD

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Asbestos Awareness CoursePresented
byJonathan M. Davis, JD
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Introduction

• Asbestos is naturally occurring fibrous mineral
  silicate.
• Six different types divided into two mineral
  groups.
• Serpentine and Amphiboles are the two mineral
  groups.
• Asbestos breaks down into fibers.
• Fibers take on aerodynamic quality and behave in
  a gas-like manner.

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Introduction

• Serpentine Mineral Group
• Chrysotile white asbestos is most common in US.
• Fibers are long, wavy, hollow and snake-like in
  appearance.
• Hygroscopic-easily absorbs moisture.
• Mined since 1870s.

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Introduction

• Amphiboles Mineral Group
• Amosite is brown in color and was first mined in
  South Africa in 1911.
• Fibers are short, solid or dowel-like in
  appearance.
• Fibers are hydrophobic.
• Crocidolite is blue in color and very rare.

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Friable and Non-Friable ACM

• EPA Defintion of Friable
• Easily crushed, crumbled or pulverized into
  powder by hand pressure.

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Examples of Friable ACM

• Spray on fire proofing
• Plaster
• Pipe insulation
• Boiler breeching
• Decorative Plaster
• Sheet rock

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Examples of Non-Friable ACM

• Floor tiles
• Mastics and adhesives
• Roofing materials
• Transite
• Window caulking
• Siding and Shingles
• Brake pads

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Properties of Asbestos

• Heat/fire resistance
• Chemical/biological resistance
• High tensile strength
• Non-conductive
• Friction resistance
• Decorative applications

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Regulatory Summary