Asbestos
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral found in layers embedded in hard rock. The fibre is as flexible and tensile as human hair, and its great value is its effectiveness as a flame retardant. Other advantages of asbestos fibre include its resistance to cold, sound, acids, corrosion and friction.
Asbestos fibre
In the past, companies which manufactured cement building products, such as wall panels, fencing and roof tiles, were among the largest users of asbestos fibre. They mixed the fibre into cement to make it lighter, stronger and more durable.
Asbestos fibre was also used extensively in the manufacture of friction products, such as brake linings for motor vehicles, and in the insulation of ships, railway carriages and manufacturing machinery.
Asbestos is no longer used in Australia.