What is asbestos?
There are several minerals commonly known as asbestos. These minerals can be used to make products strong, long-lasting and fire-resistant.
Before 1990, asbestos was mainly used for insulating buildings and homes against cold weather and noise. It was also used for fireproofing.
Industry, construction and commercial sectors have used, and, in some cases, continue to use, asbestos in products like :
- cement and plaster
- industrial furnaces and heating systems
- building insulation
- floor and ceiling tiles
- house siding
- car and truck brake pads
- vehicle transmission components, such as clutches
