A group of naturally occurring minerals known for their physical properties, asbestos, was the main component of building materials, ever since the 1950s. A number of chemicals make up the asbestos list, including chrysotile, amosite, croidolite, temolite, etc. These chemicals and a choice of others are used for different purposes, especially insulation, since they are known for their insulating properties.
What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, which is highly heat resistant and used for insulation. It is an important component of building materials and used in making woven fabrics, especially ones designed to keep the body warm.

Common uses of asbestos:
Being heat resistant, there are many uses of asbestos. Asbestos are used in building roofs and ceilings, mainly to trap the heat inside houses. Apart from that they are used in making pvc pipes, floor tiles, window panels and car brakes. Their most important usage is the fire proofing of buildings.
Why is asbestos dangerous?

While asbestos has a number of useful properties, it also holds a quantity of hazardous effects, which have motivated people to rethink its use. Asbestos have been linked with many different diseases and ailments amongst humans, such as lung cancer, heart damage and, at times, even death. Being widely used, almost everyone is exposed to a moderate amount of asbestos and that is not a reason for concern. However, if the amount exceeds the safe limit, it is wise to seek medical help.

Asbestos in nature:
Asbestos are natural minerals; therefore, these are present everywhere. However, this amount has not yet attributed with health concerns; so, it is thought-out safe. Being used in buildings, they are usually present in the air that we breathe in. What’s more, there is a trace amount, present in the water being consumed as well. Although, this is alarming, the risks are yet to be ascertained.
Who is at risk from asbestos poisoning?

As mentioned above, more or less everyone is exposed to some level of asbestos; these levels are usually low and do not cause damage. However, there are some people who are at a greater risk than others. These people are the ones who are in contact with asbestos for a longer period of time, or breathe air laced with it for too long. That includes people who work in the construction business, people in the fabric industry, miners who extract the mineral from the earth, car mechanics, detergent makers, etc, are all in constant contact with the chemical, running a high risk of developing asbestos related ailment. In addition to this, people among them who are regular smokers run a high risk of contracting asbestos than others.

Recycling asbestos:
Realizing their harmful nature, many countries have now declared asbestos too dangerous to be used and currently are recycling the material to make it a less harmful substance. In a process, known as thermal decomposition, asbestos is made into silicate glass, which is just as resistant as asbestos and not harmful at all.