Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of Contract No. The opinions, findings, and conclusions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Mention of company or product name is not to be considered as an endorsement by the Environmental Protection Agency. Introduction 1 References 4 2. Manufacturers of Asbestos-Bearing Friction Materials. Fred Mussler and Lester Pilcher. The following U. Chrysotile asbestos is the form most commonly used, since it is in ample supply.
It accounts for about 95 percent of all the asbestos commercially consumed. In addition to the different forms of asbes- tos, there are varying grades, as well. Chrysotile asbestos is graded accord- ing to the length of its raw fiber. The fibers are distinguished by separation into eight groups numbered 1 through 8.
Group 1 contains relatively long fibers up to 6 inches in length , while successive groups contain progres- sively shorter fibers. The length of the fiber as well as the form of the asbestos determine the specific properties of the asbestos and therefore the uses to which the fibers are put. All forms of asbestos exhibit proper- ties which make them useful in the production of industrial, commercial and consumer goods. Specifically, asbestos fibers are strong, durable, resilient, chemically and thermally stable, and resistant to heat, corrosion, rot, vermin and chemicals.
This diversity of properties has led to the widespread use of asbestos in select mass-produced consumer items. Today, an average United States resident could expect to find asbestos around his home in such products as: floor tile, house siding, automobile brakes, appliance insulation, roof- ing sealants, municipal water supply pipe, sewer mains and fireproofing for the family wood stove. In all, approximately 1. These categories and their relative asbestos consumption rates are as follows: Metric tons Percent of U.
