Dusts or airborne fibres including glass fibre, synthetic fibre, chrysotile fibre, stone dust, gasoline fume, exhaust fume, all are dangerous, if workers inhale and are exposed to them for a long period of time. However, the processing of chrysotile fibre as a raw material in manufacturing factories is properly controlled and thus, poses no risks to workers. Once the fibres are covered by cementous slurry, they are locked-in permanently and cannot escape.
Benefits of chrysotile products
Chrysotile fibres are strong and durable. When mixed with cement to produce roof tiles and water pipes, the products are high quality and economical. Chrysotile has been used widely in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, for more than 60 years.
Chrysotile fibres have an exceptional strength and ability to be used as reinforcement material. Chrysotile has been in use in Thailand for 60 years due to its affordable cost. Over 90% of chrysotile imports to Thailand go into AC sheet and pipe production. Its exceptional strength is able to withstand the forces of nature.
- Asbestos cement (AC) sheets are weather-proof and corrosion resistant. They are practically ageless and maintenance free as compared to metal sheets which corrode and deteriorate with age and exposure.
- AC sheets and pipes are corrosion and erosion-free. Once properly laid and jointed, they need no maintenance or replacement.
- AC sheets have proven to be the most cost effective, easy-to-install, strong and durable roofing material for warehouses, factories, low-cost housing, as well as practically any structure needing a roof.
- Keeping in mind the challenges of a rapidly increasing population and limited resources, the manufacture of AC products consumes low energy and does not in any way deplete natural resources.
The table below compares the characteristics of asbestos cement roofing sheets with corrugated galvanised and aluminum sheets.
| Characteristics | Asbestos cement sheets | Corrugated galvanised | Aluminum sheets | |
| 1 | Life Span (Years) | 50 (Min.) Non-Corrosive | 10-15 | N.A. |
| 2 | Maintenance years | Nil | Every 3-5 | Nil |
| 3 | Fire Rating | Retardant | Tendency to twist & melt | Tendency to twist & melt |
| 4 | Thermal Insulation | Good | Poor | Poor |
| 5 | Acoustic Rating | Good | Poor | Poor |
| 6 | Absorption of rain and wind noise | Good (deadens these noises) | Poor | Poor |
| 7 | Energy consumption required in production (kwh/Sqm) | 2.40 | 36.6 | 33.0 |
| 8 | Man Power Potential | Intensive | Low | Low |
| 9 | Wind resistance when installed | Good | Poor | Poor |
| 10 | Weather effect Oxidation | None | None | Surface |
| 11 | Condensation corrosion | Low | High | High |
| 12 | Effect of high rattling sound | Minimum | Unacceptable | Rattling |
| 13 | Noise level | Low | High | High |
| 14 | Protective Coating | Not required | Required | Required |
| 15 | Storage in open space at work site | Can be stored godown for storage to avoid weather assaults | Can be stored godown for storage to avoid weather assaults | Needs to be closed |
| 16 | Coverage Efficiency into account lap losses | Approximately 50% higher, taking only 67% into account lap losses | Effective laid area becomes only 67% as compared to AC Sheets | Effective laid area becomes only 67% as compared to AC Sheets |
| 17 | Cost | Low | High | Highest
|
FAQs
Is chrysotile dangerous to workers and how?
Are workmen installing or fixing asbestos cement roof at risk of exposure to chrysotile?
Typical test results of air sampling show that fibre concentration is around 0.07 fibre/cc during cutting and installation of chrysotile cement roofing sheets. This is far below the level of 0.5 fibre/cc envisaged. There will be no risk for workmen or carpenters if they follow properly recommended work practices while installing or fixing roofing sheets.
Is there any evidence of workers who suffer from asbestos related diseases in Thai factories?
Thai manufacturers follow recommendations from the Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Public Health. They provide health check-up and lung x-ray for all employees annually. There is no evidence regarding the disease up to date.
Chrysotile TV
Visit our Youtube Channel to learn more about Chrysotile.
