Individuals who don't know a lot about asbestos but have heard much about its many dangers may be surprised to learn that asbestos is a natural substance. To measure airborne asbestos and other fibres, an air sample must represent the actual number and size of fibres Asbestos fibres can enter the air or water from the breakdown of natural deposits and manufactured asbestos products. Asbestos fibres do not evaporate into air or dissolve in water. Small diameter fibres and particles may remain suspended in the air for a long time. Asbestos mainly affects the lungs and the membrane that surrounds the lungs.
Asbestos fibres were often transported into the homes of workers on their clothing, skin and hair. Asbestos is composed of tiny fibres that become airborne when asbestos-containing materials are damaged. Asbestos is a natural mineral that separates into flexible fibres Naturally occurring asbestos can be mined from geologic deposits. Before asbestos fibres are used commercially, they must go through the manufacturing process, where the fibres are incorporated into the product they are used for.
