"Asbestos" is the name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of fibers, which can be separated into thin threads and woven. There are three main types of asbestos:

1. Chrysotile or white asbestos (fine, silky, flexible white fibers)
2. Amosite (straight, brittle fibers that are light grey to pale brown in color)
3. Crocidolite or blue asbestos (straight, blue fibers) and Anthophyllite (brittle, white fibers)

These fibers are not affected by heat or chemicals and do not conduct electricity, therefore, asbestos has been widely used in many industries. These fibers had a tendency to create a dusty environment in the air and stick to clothing. The fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed.

Asbestos has been used in North America since the late 1800's but its use increased many fold during World War II. For over four decades, asbestos was used in the building and construction industry and in shipbuilding for insulating boilers, steam pipes, hot water pipes, and nuclear reactors. Asbestos has been used as a component in brake shoes and clutch pads of cars and trucks. Asbestos was used in floor tiles and ceiling tiles in many commercial buildings including schools, hospitals, office buildings, etc. Over 5,000 patents have been issued for asbestos-containing products.

Depending on the purpose for which asbestos was being used, different fiber types were employed. The following is a list of products which have contained asbestos:

Friction products such as clutch facings, brake linings for automobiles, railroad cars and airplanes, and industrial friction materials.

Asbestos cement sheet and pipe products used for water supply and sewage piping, roofing and siding, casings for electric wires, fire protection material, chemical tanks, electrical switchboards and components, residential and industrial building materials. Floor tile, gaskets and packings, paints, coatings and sealants, caulking and patching tape, ceiling tile and plastics.

Asbestos textiles for packing components, roofing materials, heat and fire protective clothing, electrical wire, pipe insulation, and theater curtains and fireproof draperies.

Asbestos was even used in electric hair dryers and in clothing, in wallboard patching materials and in gas heaters. Many asbestos exposures may have occurred in your home!