Asbestos Removal

Asbestos is a group name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals that had widespread use in many commercial, domestic and industrial products until the mid 1980’s (New Zealand). The three most commonly used asbestos forms in New Zealand were: 

• Chrysotile or “white” asbestos (CAS No: 12001-29-5) the most common form of asbestos material found in many domestic, commercial and industrial uses. The chemical composition of Chrysotile asbestos is {Mg₃(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄}_n

•  Amosite or“brown” asbestos (CAS No: 12171-73-5) is considered particularly hazardous. The chemical composition of Amosite asbestos is {(Mg,Fe)₇Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂}_n

• _{Crocidolite or “blue” asbestos (CAS No: 12001-28-4) is highly fibrous and is generally considered the most hazardous form of asbestos as exposure to this form of asbestos is linked with Mesothelioma, the most hazardous form of disease associated with asbestos exposure. The chemical composition of Crocidolite asbestos is Na2Fe³⁺Si8O22(OH)2} 

Loose fibre broken down from the mined rock material is used in the manufacture of a variety of products. Asbestos is often mixed with another material and is rarely encountered in its raw form, making identification based on visual examination unreliable. Inhalation of asbestos fibres has been shown to pose a potentially fatal health risk.

Asbestos has been incorporated in a number of materials for the construction, cladding and thermal or acoustic insulation of offices, factories and houses and in a wide range of products including:

·     heat-resistant textiles

·     decorative coatings

·     asbestos cement pipes

·     thermal insulation for pipes and boilers

·     brake and clutch friction linings

·     gaskets

·     floor tiles, and

·     packing materials.

Its properties of heat resistance and mechanical strength have been exploited in these applications, and many substitutes have been found for  the above applications. 

At Nikau, we can safely and effectively remove all types of asbestos containing material. Should you require a quotation, please call us on toll free (0800) 66 99 11 or email admin@nikau.org