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Building materials that may contain asbestos include insulation, boiler insulation, boiler pipe insulation, floor tiles, door gaskets, siding, cement roofing and shingles. While many of these products contain asbestos fibers, there is little threat of asbestos overexposure unless the material is cut, torn or damaged.
Asbestos is a natural silicate mineral comprised of varying concentrations of tremolite, actinolite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite. These minerals, though they occur in nature, can cause serious illnesses in people who are exposed to high amounts. Asbestos is most commonly found in the fibres of older construction materials, and asbestos removal is required in any building displaying high levels of these minerals. Asbestos is considered a form of hazardous waste.
Asbestos fibres are no longer used in any products or building materials; however, if your home or place of business was erected or updated prior to 1980 then there is a possibility that some of the building materials may contain asbestos.
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