Page 3 - Asbestos Training

Chapter 1 - Asbestos Overview

History of Asbestos

The word “asbestos” is derived from a Greek adjective meaning "inextinguishable." The "miracle
mineral" as it was referred to by the Greeks, was admired for its soft and pliant properties, as well
as its ability to withstand heat. Asbestos is the name of a class of magnesium-silicate minerals.
Asbestos was spun and woven into cloth in the same manner as cotton. It was also utilized for
wicks in sacred lamps. Romans likewise recognized the properties of asbestos, and it is thought
they cleaned asbestos tablecloths by throwing them into the flames of a fire.

From the time of the Greeks and Romans in the first century until its re-emergence in the
eighteenth century, asbestos received little attention or use. It was not available in large amounts
until extensive deposits were discovered in Canada in the late 1800s. Following this discovery,
asbestos emerged as an insulating component in thermal insulation for boilers, pipes, and other
high temperature applications.

Interpreting Asbestos Regulations

There are several federal and state regulations associated with asbestos. The following
represents just a few asbestos regulations:

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

• 29 CFR 1910.1001 General Industry
• 29 CFR 1926.1101 Construction Industry
Environmental Protection Association (EPA)

Title 11 of TSCA Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) (PI, 99-519) enacted
in 1986, amended in July 1988

• Asbestos Containing Materials in Schools, October 30, 1987
• Asbestos Schools Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (1990)
• EPA National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) 40 CFR 61, Sub-
part M

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