Publication Citation

USGS Series Fact Sheet
Report Number 012-01
Title Some Facts about Asbestos
Edition -
Language ENGLISH
Author(s) Virta, R. L.
Year 2001
Originating office
USGS Library Call Number -
Physical description 4 p. *This report has been removed from the internet as it contains sensitive material*
ISBN

In Stock at the USGS Store

Abstract

This Fact Sheet briefly reviews what asbestos is, how it is identified, where it is found, and how it is used. The U.S. Geological Survey provides information on asbestos geology, mineralogy, and mining; other agencies listed in this fact sheet provide information on regulations and health effects of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a generic name given to the fibrous variety of six naturally occurring minerals that have been used in commercial products. Asbestos is made up of fiber bundles. These bundles, in turn, are composed of extremely long and thin fibers that can be easily separated from one another. The bundles have splaying ends and are extremely flexible. The term 'asbestos' is not a mineralogical definition. It is a commercial designation for mineral products that possess high tensile strength, flexibility, resistance to chemical and thermal degradation, and high electrical resistance and that can be woven.