Asbestos Awareness: What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is the name given to six minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads for use in commercial and industrial applications. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. For these reasons, asbestos has been used widely over the course of many decades and in many industries. Additionally, asbestos-like minerals are found in the natural environment, including the mineral erionite.