What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals that are fibrous in nature.  Asbestos fibres are soft and flexible yet resistant to heat, electricity and chemical corrosion.  Asbestos is an effective insulator and can be mixed into all kinds of substances including paper, cloth, cement, plastic and other materials to make them stronger.  Before 1990, asbestos was mainly used for insulating buildings and homes against cold weather and noise.  It was also used for fireproofing, and in construction products such as cement and plaster, furnaces and heating systems, floor and ceiling tiles and house siding.