Asbestos is a controversial (yet irreplaceable) material used for a variety of household (and industrial) reasons. The word describes any mineral able to take on “fibrous” qualities (think of the hair on the outside of an artichoke’s heart.)
The main advantages of asbestos include its ability to insulate from heat while remaining flexible and strong. As a result, asbestos is often used in the “fire-proofing” process—it can be found on the inside of fire doors, inside fire blankets, and in the clothing commonly used by firefighters. Indeed asbestos has saved many lives in its history—and it has a plethora of other uses.
Asbestos can also be found in many household items. Acoustical ceilings employ asbestos—apparently it facilitates the creation of desired aural environments. Stucco and plaster usually contain asbestos as well—these are very commonplace in many homes. A variety of vinyl tiles, adhesives, and sheeting are also partly made up of asbestos; it isn’t difficult to find the material in many commonplace items.
There are, of course, many critics of asbestos’ downsides (as well as many legitimate responses to this criticism.) Certain outmoded ways of using asbestos can cause inhalation—studies have often linked this to disease. It is understandable that some have become wary of embracing what asbestos has to offer us in the modern world. Several substitutes for asbestos have been developed, although in many ways these are less effective at doing the same jobs. They include organic fibers, silica, and Portland cement. In many instances, actually, asbestos is merely a component of a larger composite (referred to as “asbestos-reinforced” materials.)
No matter what your take on the controversy is, asbestos is here to stay. Many of its uses are absolutely crucial and entirely harmless to the population. At the very least, asbestos is a necessary material used in a whole plethora of items.