What is Asbestos? A Beginner’s Guide

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of minerals naturally present on Earth. Imagine microscopic fibres as strong as the materials we use to build rockets. These fibres can be spun into threads and woven together. The three main types of asbestos you need to know about are :

1. Chrysotile (white asbestos)
2. Amosite (brown asbestos)
3. Crocidolite (blue asbestos)

Why was asbestos used?

Asbestos has been a super-material for a variety of reasons:

1. Heat resistance: Think of the extreme heat of rocket engines. Asbestos withstands very high temperatures without degrading.
2. Non-combustibility: Like the safety systems on our spaceships, asbestos does not burn, making it ideal for environments where fire safety is paramount.
3. Sound insulation: Reducing noise is crucial, whether in a terrestrial office or a space capsule. Asbestos provides effective sound insulation.
4. Chemical Resistance: Like our alloys in space, asbestos is resistant to many chemicals, ensuring exceptional longevity.

Where is asbestos found?

Thanks to its properties, asbestos has been used everywhere:

• Insulation: For pipes, boilers, and furnaces, such as SpaceX’s heat shields.
• Tiles and slates: for roofs and walls, similar to the thermal protection on our ships.
• Floor Coverings: Linoleum and tiles, resistant like the floors in space installations.
• Building materials: Plasterboard, cement, plaster – basic materials for any structure, whether on Earth or elsewhere.

The risks of asbestos

Like any revolutionary technology, asbestos has a dark side:

1. Asbestosis: Imagine your lungs stiffening, like an overheated engine. Inhaling asbestos fibres causes scarring of the lungs.
2. Lung cancer: Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
3. Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen, caused almost exclusively by asbestos.

How does asbestos affect health?

Inhaled asbestos fibres remain trapped in the lungs for decades, causing inflammation and scarring. Like a damaged vessel, the body takes time to respond, often decades, making early detection difficult.

Regulation and safety

With the health risks becoming clear, regulations on asbestos are now strict. Here’s how to navigate this complex environment:

• Identification and Assessment: Before renovating or demolishing, identify materials containing asbestos.
• Professional Removal: Call on certified professionals to remove asbestos, just as you would entrust the maintenance of your rocket to qualified engineers.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) : Use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as suits, masks and gloves, just like astronauts’ spacesuits.
• Air Control: After removal, test the air to ensure it is free of asbestos fibres.

Alternatives to Asbestos

As we have replaced older technologies with more advanced solutions, there are now safe alternatives to asbestos:

• Mineral wool: For thermal and acoustic insulation, just like the insulation used in space cockpits.
• Ceramic fibres: For applications requiring resistance to very high temperatures, such as the thermal protection of our rockets.
• Glass fibres: Used in construction materials and insulation products, reminiscent of the light but robust composites used in the space industry.