Asbestos is a mineral that exists in certain types of rock formations. When it is mined and processed, it can be converted into various materials made of tiny, fluffy fibers. The individual fibers are 1,200 times smaller than a human hair, and you can't see them without a microscope.
Asbestos is fire resistant and tough.
It resists corrosion and does a good job of insulation. Because of these qualities, in the past it was widely used to manufacture numerous products in many industries. In 1973, the federal government began prohibiting the use of certain materials that were made with asbestos, but asbestos won't be completely banned for several years. Asbestos is still being produced by one or two small mines in this country, and large amounts are still mined in Canada. Materials that contain asbestos are not dangerous, unless asbestos fibers are released from them.