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The term asbestos describes six naturally occurring fibrous minerals found in certain types of rock formations. Of that general group, the minerals chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite have been most commonly used in building products. When mined and processed, asbestos is typically separated into very thin fibers. When these fibers are present in the air, they are normally invisible to the naked eye. Asbestos is mixed in during the manufacture of many different products. If the fibers are released from the asbestos-containing materials, (ACM), they are so small and light that they may remain in the air for many hours. When fibers are released into the air, they may be inhaled by the occupants of the building. Asbestos is mixed in during the manufacture of many different products. If inhaled, they can cause diseases which disrupt the normal functioning of the lungs. Three specific diseases -- asbestosis (a fibrous scarring of the lungs) , lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity) -- have been linked to asbestos exposure. These diseases do not develop immediately after inhalation of asbestos fibers; it may be twenty years or more before symptoms appear. (EPA 2OT-2003). 
Federal, OSHA, EPA and many state statutes require identification and special processing of asbestos containing materials by trained and equipped personnel prior to the materials being disturbed. AMRC services include:
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