Like managing any potentially harmful material, managing asbestos requires everyone's involvement. Everyone should take the time to become aware of the hazards associated with asbestos and then take measures to protect themselves and others from harm. The intent of this brochure is to provide staff, faculty and students with basic information regarding asbestos safety. Additional information can be obtained from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety by calling 328-6166 or stopping by our office at Ragsdale 009. The term asbestos refers to a specific group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals found in certain types of rock formations.
Asbestos is mined in much the same way as other minerals, such as iron, lead and copper.
There are many varieties of asbestos but the three most common are chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite. Asbestos is contained in more than 3,000 different building products. Asbestos fibers are mixed during processing with material which binds them together so they can be used in various applications. Asbestos became a very popular commercial product because it was a relatively inexpensive, virtually indestructible material with desirable physical properties including chemical resistance, fire resistance, thermal insulating ability, electrical insulating ability, mechanical strength, flexibility and good friction and wear characteristics. Until a material is tested, assume that it contains asbestos.