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Chrysotile is primarily used to produce cement roofing tiles and cement pipes. It is also used to produce brakes, clutch pedals, gaskets and heat insulating materials.

Chrysotile cement products provide the population with cost effective solutions in terms of shelters, rooftop and pipes. Chrysotile cement pipes are one of the most cost effective options available for water supply, sewerage, irrigation and drainage systems. As such, current chrysotile cement products in the market are highly capable to meet the growing population needs of today, especially in developing economies where resources are limited.

Today, the majority of chrysotile is used to manufacture high-density chrysotile materials. These materials are dense and non-friable, in which chrysotilefibres are encapsulated in a matrix of either cement or resin. This structure prevents fibres from being released into the air.

Thailand

In Thailand, 90% of chrysotile is used to produce construction materials, which are cement roof tiles and cement pipes. It is also in use by the automobile industry, with 8% is used to brake and clutch pedals production. Another 2% is used in gasket and heat insulating materials production.

Asbestos Usage

“Following WHO recommended method, Thailand’s Department of Industrial Works carried out dust level measurement for cement roof tile and pipe factories in 2001. The dust levels measured in various departments of 4 factories were 0.01 – 0.77 fibre/ml of air. The medical surveillances were carried out in 24 factories in 1987, 1997, and 1998. However, no asbestos related disease cases were detected. This may be due to short duration of exposure among workers (average working duration was 5.2 years).”

Industry and manufacturers

In 1938, Siam Fibre Cement Company was the first company to bring about a production of asbestos-cement tiles in Thailand to diversify its line of products. The company has converted his technology to non-asbestos products since 2007.

Hatschek technology, which is the most efficient for fibre-cement board production, has been brought in since 1961. Most manufacturers have implemented the Hatschek technology until today.

Until today, asbestos-cement tiles are popular to low income population because of its superior quality and affordable cost. The tiles are strong, light weight, resilient to water and heat. These features are beneficial for developing countries in tropical climate.

At present, there are 2 major manufacturers for asbestos-cement tiles:

• Oran Vanich Co., Ltd.
• Diamond Roofing Tiles Public Company, Ltd.