Amphiboles, amosite (brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos) and tremolite are among the group of natural silicate minerals commonly referred to as asbestos.

The thin, fibre-like crystals are released into the atmosphere when they are disturbed. Due to asbestos’ water, heat resistant and electrical insulation properties, the material has been employed as an insulator in electrical components and used extensively in the building and construction industries until the 1970s.

Many buildings constructed between the 1940’s until the 1980’s contained asbestos in various forms. Prior to it’s near global ban due to it’s being declared a known carcinogen, the material was employed in everything from roof sheeting, roof insulation, floor and wall tiles, decorative planters to small, insulative electrical components.

Employers are unknowingly exposing themselves and their employees to the dangers of asbestos.

In South Africa, over 3000 products were produced using the material including:

• Corrugated roof sheeting and shingles
• Roof facia boards, sidings, gutters as well as window sills
• Prefab building walls and internal wall partitions
• Roof and wall Insulation products
• Vinyl floor tiles
• Internal and external textured paint as well as patching compounds used to level wall and ceiling surfaces
• Steam pipes, bulk water and hot water pipes, geyser blankets etc were either manufactured or coated with asbestos

As a result of the ban, a worldwide drive is underway to remove asbestos from the built up environment.

Many countries including South Africa have passed legislation requiring that the material be safely removed and disposed of prior to any renovations or demolition of buildings being carried out.