Definitions
Below some definitions for some commonly used terms associated with asbestos and it’s use.
Amosite – commonly known as brown asbestos, it is more dangerous than white asbestos, but not as bad as blue.
Bituminize – to treat with bitumen.
Calorifier – a form of water heater or boiler.
Caulking – is a term used to describe different process to seal joints or seams in various structures and certain types of piping.
Chrysotile – commonly known as while asbestos, the least dangerous form.
Crocidolite – otherwise known as blue asbestos, is the most hazardous of the three. Blue asbestos was only mined at Wittenoom in Australia and it’s wide spread application explains why we have the highest rate of mesothelioma in the world
Friable – refers to any form of asbestos that is releasing fibres. This includes sprayed asbestos, paper products, the backing of vinyl flooring, or damaged cement sheet. Otherwise “safe” asbestos products that have been exposed to fire generally become friable.
Gasket – a seal or packing used between matched machine parts or pipe joints to prevent the escape of a gas or fluid
Lagging – the covering of boilers, pipework, etc., with heat insulating material, or the material itself.
Limpit – sprayed asbestos, that is easily damaged. Limpet asbestos in poor condition is usually friable.
Mastic – a form of adhesive often used to lay tiles. Adhesive containing asbestos is usually black.
Millboard – asbestos millboard was used in the construction of walls and ceilings. Most varieties of millboard manufactured in America typically contained 80 – 85% asbestos.
Pegboard – perforated board typically used for storage with custom hooks or “pegs”.
Soffitt – the underside of an archway of a structural component such as a a beam, arch, staircase or cornice.
Vermiculite – is a mica-like mineral that is mined and milled into various sized grade ore. The ore is ex-foliated (expanded by being heated and popped, much like popcorn), to produce a lightweight product that is used in agriculture, building products, horticulture and in places where insulation is needed. The expanded vermiculite looks like small pellets, which are layered like an accordion. It is usually gold brown or metallic in colour.