• Asbestos fiber was once a common insulation material for attics.attic window image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com
  
  When it comes to public safety, regulatory agencies all over the world are taking steps to replace asbestos cements and insulation fibers used in homes, commercial buildings and automobiles. Compressed asbestos fibers are scientifically proven to have a dangerous impact on human lungs and contribute to the cause of cancer. Businesses are using many compressed asbestos fiber substitutes to mitigate danger and governments are passing laws restricting the use (and demanding the elimination) of asbestos.
  
  

Fiberglass Sleeves

• Fiberglass insulation is often placed between interior walls during house construction.House gathers from gummed a bar. image by Vladimir Kolobov from Fotolia.com
  
  Many fiberglass and silica-based materials are possible candidates for replacing asbestos. According to the website FireSleeveAndTape, fiberglass resists elevated temperatures and heat and is an effective alternative for insulating. Fiberglass can be constructed into sleeves, tapes, fabrics and insulation and equals the insulation value of compressed asbestos fiber.
  
  

Semi-metallic Linings

• Automobile brake systems require materials to cut down on friction. In an effort to reduce the use of compressed asbestos fiber, semi-metallic material is now an alternative for brake linings. According to the website AllBusiness, semi-metallic elements are resin-bonded and are especially applicable to heavy truck brake systems. Performance testing is also bridging the gap for semi-metallics to be used in standard cars. Other non-asbestos friction alternatives for automobiles include non-asbestos organic and carbon-based products.
  
  

Glass Yarn and Mineral Wool

• Many gaskets are historically made from compressed asbestos fiber. To maintain high temperature and heat resistance in gaskets, glass yarn and mineral wools are possible alternatives. According to Environmental Health Perspectives, seals made of glass yarn and mineral wools can be used as shields to the spread of flames in static sealing situations (i.e. kiln doors), floodlight lamps and furnaces. Gaskets between moving surfaces can be composed of glass fiber and glass fiber impregnated with polytetrafluoroethylene.