NTP 10th Report on Carcinogens. IARC Cancer Review: Group 1 IMEMDT    IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man . 7 (1987),p. 106.(World Health Organization, Internation Agency for Research on Cancer,Lyon, France.: ) (Single copies can be ordered from WHO Publications Centre U.S.A., 49 Sheridan Avenue, Albany, NY 12210) ; Human Sufficient Evidence IMEMDT    IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man . 2 (1973),p. 17.(World Health Organization, Internation Agency for Research on Cancer,Lyon, France.: ) (Single copies can be ordered from WHO Publications Centre U.S.A., 49 Sheridan Avenue, Albany, NY 12210) ; IMEMDT    IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man . 14 (1977),p. 11.(World Health Organization, Internation Agency for Research on Cancer,Lyon, France.: ) (Single copies can be ordered from WHO Publications Centre U.S.A., 49 Sheridan Avenue, Albany, NY 12210) ; Animal Sufficient Evidence IMEMDT    IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man . 2 (1973),p. 17.(World Health Organization, Internation Agency for Research on Cancer,Lyon, France.: ) (Single copies can be ordered from WHO Publications Centre U.S.A., 49 Sheridan Avenue, Albany, NY 12210) ; IMEMDT    IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man . 14 (1977),p. 11.(World Health Organization, Internation Agency for Research on Cancer,Lyon, France.: ) (Single copies can be ordered from WHO Publications Centre U.S.A., 49 Sheridan Avenue, Albany, NY 12210) . Reported in EPA TSCA Inventory. On Community Right-To-Know List. EPA Genetic Toxicology Program.

OSHA PEL: TWA 2 million fibers/m3; CL 10 million fibers/m3; Cancer and Lung Disease Hazard
ACGIH TLV: TWA 0.1 fibers/cc; Confirmed Human Carcinogen
DFG MAK: DFG TRK: (Fine dust particles that are able to reach the alveolar area of the lung) crocidolite: 0.05 × 106 fibers/m3 (0.025 mg/m3) (definition of fiber: length greater than 5 μm; diameter less than 3 μm; length/diameter greater than 3:1, equivalent to 1 fiber/cc); chrysotile, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite: 1 × 106 fibers/m3 (0.05 mg/m3), applicable when there is more than 2.5% asbestos in the dust; 2.0 mg/m3, applicable when there is less than or equal to 2.5 weight percent asbestos in fine dust
NIOSH REL: (asbestos): 0.1 fb/cc in a 400 L air sample
DOT Classification:  9; Label: CLASS 9

For occupational chemical analysis use NIOSH: Fibers, 7400.

The Asbestos, also known as Amianthus, is the organic compound. It belongs to the classification codes of Carcinogens; Human Data; Mutation data; Natural Product; Noxae; TSCA Flag R [Subject to a Section 6 risk management rule under TSCA]; TSCA UVCB; Tumor data. With the CAS registry number 1332-21-4, it has other registry numbers of 12413-45-5, 329202-13-3 and 77641-59-9. It is hygroscopic and readily absorbs water from the air, so it should be stored in an airtight container. It is very soluble in water with liberation of heat. It also dissolves in ethanol and methanol, though it exhibits lower solubility in these solvents than does potassium hydroxide. 

Asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals exploited commercially for their desirable physical properties. In addition, it is composed of magnesium and calcium silicates with or without other elements. Asbestos is relatively inert chemically and used in thermal insulation and fireproofing. It was used in such applications as electrical insulation for hotplate wiring and in building insulation.

Production: In 2006, 2.3 million tonnes of Asbestos were mined worldwide, in 11 or 12 countries. Russia was the largest producer with about 40.2% world share followed by China (19.9%), Kazakhstan (13.0%), Canada (10.3%), and Brazil (9.9%).

Uses of Asbestos: It is the principal strong base used in the chemical industry. In bulk it is most often handled as an aqueous solution, since solutions are cheaper and easier to handle. It is used to drive chemical reactions and also for the neutralization of acidic materials. It can be used also as a neutralizing agent in petroleum refining. It is also used for heavy duty and industrial cleaning.

In the Bayer process, Asbestos is used in the refining of alumina containing ore (bauxite) to produce alumina (aluminium oxide) which is the raw material used to produce aluminium metal via the electrolytic Hall-Héroult process. Asbestos is traditionally used in soap making (cold process soap, saponification). Asbestos is used as an additive in drilling mud to increase alkalinity. It was also widely used in making paper.

For the manufacture of biodiesel, Asbestos is used as a catalyst for the transesterification of methanol and triglycerides. This only works with anhydrous Asbestos , because combined with water the fat would turn into soap, which would be tainted with methanol. Asbestos is used more often than potassium hydroxide because it is cheaper and a smaller quantity is needed. Asbestos is frequently used as an industrial cleaning agent where it is often called "caustic". It is added to water, heated, and then used to clean the process equipment, storage tanks, etc.

Asbestos can dissolve grease, oils, fats and protein based deposits. The sodium hydroxide solution can also be added surfactants to stabilize dissolved substances to prevent redeposition. A sodium hydroxide soak solution is used as a powerful degreaser on stainless and glass bakeware. Asbestos is also a common ingredient in oven cleaners. A common use of Asbestos is in the production of parts washer detergents. Asbestos has also been used by criminals to dispose of their victims' bodies.

When you are using this chemical, please be cautious about it. Asbestos is toxic which may cause cancer and danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation. You should avoid exposure - obtain special instructions before use. In case of accident or if you feel unwell seek medical advice immediately (show the label where possible).