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.

CIRS Testing can provide professional testing for asbestos as per thCIRSe standards for different countries and regions. We are your one-stop solution, integrating consulting, testing, and certification services. Please feel free to contact test@cirs-group.com if you have any questions.