Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral as silicates with a structure of thin fibrous crystals, containing oxides of magnesium, iron, aluminum and sodium, and silicon dioxide. Asbestos fibers will be released into air as a powder and it may accumulate in the lungs causing organ cancer if absorbed by the human body.

Owing to good tensile strength, insulation, anti-corrosion, and inflammability, asbestos is an important material applied in flame retardants and insulation.

• In 2009, China published Determination of Asbestos in Products (GB/T 23263-2009), applicable to the determination of asbestos in building materials, friction materials, sealing materials, insulation materials, and nonmetallic minerals;
• In 1999, the EU published Directive 1999/77/EC to specify the restrictions on the use of crocidolite, amosite, chrysotile, antophyllite, actinoliteand tremolite, which are now listed in REACH Annex XVII;
• The United States began to restrict asbestos in 1971 and prohibited the production and use of asbestos and its products in 1992;
• Japan prohibited the use of asbestos in products in 2008.

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