These minerals are regarded as hydrated because they are formed by their affinity for water. Asbestos is primarily mined in Canada and South Africa. In fact EPA, in 1985 estimated that 31,000 schools and some 733,000 commercial buildings had asbestos products in them. May be woven or used to provide strength and consistency to a product. Resistant to chemicals.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral.
Chrysotile is the most commonly used type of asbestos and the only mineral in the serpentine group. The amphiboles are hydrophobic, they do not like water. In most cases, fiber counts will be significantly higher when a removal project involves an amphibole. Wet methods must still be used even though it will not be as effective on amphiboles in controlling fiber release. OR-OSHA regulates all six types of asbestos listed above.