asbestoscement

Asbestos cement, also known as asbestos-cement or AC, is a durable composite material made by combining asbestos fibers with Portland cement to form sheets, pipes, or molded products. The most common asbestos fiber used historically was chrysotile (white asbestos), with other forms such as amosite and crocidolite occasionally used in the past. Production began in the early 20th century and expanded after World War II, yielding widely used building materials for roofing sheets, siding, gutters, pipes, and ductwork.

AC combines a cement matrix with asbestos fibers to achieve low weight, fire resistance, and weathering resistance. When intact, it can be long-lasting, but damage or renovation can release asbestos fibers into the air, creating inhalation exposure. Handling includes drilling, sawing, or breaking AC products to create dust.

Exposure is linked to serious diseases, including asbestosis (lung scarring), mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen), and other lung cancers. Diseases often have long latency, sometimes several decades after exposure.

Regulation varies by country. Many jurisdictions have banned asbestos use or restricted asbestos-containing products, and modern building codes favor non-asbestos fiber cement or alternative materials. In places where AC remains in place, removal or alteration should be performed by trained professionals using appropriate containment and disposal procedures.

Modern fiber cement products typically use non-asbestos fibers (such as cellulose or synthetic fibers) with cement to mimic the properties of traditional AC while avoiding asbestos-related health risks.