Did you know that some non-friable materials can have high asbestos content? Often when thinking of high asbestos concentration in materials we assume these to be friable materials. While friable materials such as thermal system insulations are typically higher than most non-friable materials, there are some materials that are on par. Transite, asbestos gaskets, and galbestos are examples of this. They are typically asbestos mixtures of concrete or metal components and are typically used for sidings and other building components.
Transite
Transite is a mixture of asbestos and concrete manufactured by John Mansville starting in the 1920s and phased out in there 1980s. Transite can be found in the siding on houses, sheds, garages, and roofing. Transite can also be found as piping, HVAC ducts, lab hoods and tables, and gutter systems as it was coveted due to its durability.
Transite incorporated asbestos for its heat resistant properties and because it allowed the concrete to become more durable and less permeable. Due to the properties of asbestos, it mixes easily with concrete. When transite becomes aged and worn, the material can become friable in some cases. This can be very problematic if it occurs in an HVAC duct.
In my lab experience, I have seen transite range from 20-50% asbestos concentration, typically of the chrysotile variety. Transite is still being produced to this day, but with silica rather than asbestos. As is similar in all concrete, improper disturbance of the newer variety may cause exposure to silica.
Asbestos Gaskets
Gaskets form a critical part of mechanical systems. They are used to seal areas of pneumatic systems and other various mechanical processes. Due to the heat resistance and durability of asbestos, it was used in gaskets. Asbestos gaskets would have been ideal for systems using steam, gases, or caustic compounds.
Ring gaskets are a common variety of asbestos-containing gaskets, which are commonly composed of metal and asbestos. Other forms of gaskets that are composed of asbestos-containing rope or sheet gaskets are considered to be friable. These types are used in areas of high temperatures, such as furnaces. In my lab experience, gaskets can range from 20% to the 70% range, but it is possible for gaskets to be lower or higher than these ranges.
Galbestos
Galbestos is a steel, felt asbestos mixture that is used as a siding (like transite). Galbestos stands for galvanized asbestos. The process of creating galbestos is galvanizing zinc or iron with asbestos and asphalt. Galbestos can be found on the exterior of older warehouses and other structures. Similarly to transite, galbestos — once aged — can be rendered friable. Surprisingly, galbestos samples were rare in the lab. Anecdotally from fellow local analysts, galbestos has a similar asbestos content to transite.
Conclusions
These materials demonstrate that not all higher concentration asbestos-containing materials are friable. However, damage and age can render transite, gaskets, and galbestos friable, thus making them more hazardous. If you suspect you have these materials at your property, contact Indoor Science to assess them for asbestos.