Abstract: A method for rendering asbestos in an asbestos-containing material harmless comprises wetting the material with an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 25% by weight of an organic acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid and at least 1% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, such as ammonium fluoride The acid hydrolyses the magnesium oxide units in asbestos while the fluoride ions attack the interleaved silica layers in the crystal structure of asbestos, thereby destroying the fibrous nature of the asbestos. Wetting with the solutions also facilitates the removal of asbestos-containing material from the substrate on which it is installed.

Abstract: A method for treating asbestos-containing material for removing such material from a substrate where it is installed and for destroying the asbestos in such asbestos-containing material, comprising wetting the material with an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 25% by weight of a weak organic acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid. Optionally, the aqueous solution further comprises about 1 to 10% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, such as ammonium fluoride. The weak acid solution assists in the removal of the asbestos-containing material and hydrolyses the magnesium oxide units in asbestos while the fluoride ions attack the interleaved silica layers in the crystal structure of asbestos, thereby destroying the fibrous nature of the asbestos.

Abstract: Treatment solutions for removing asbestos containing materials from substrates and for converting asbestos-containing materials to a non-asbestos material, which comprises an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 25% by weight of an acid and 1 to 10% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, such as ammonium fluoride. The acid solution hydrolyses the magnesium oxide units in asbestos while the fluoride ions attack the interleaved silica layers in the crystal structure of asbestos, thereby destroying the fibrous nature of the asbestos.

Abstract: A method for rendering harmless chrysotile asbestos comprises wetting the asbestos fibers with an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 10% by weight of a weak organic acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid. The weak acid solution hydrolyzes the magnesium oxide units contained in the crystal structure of chyrsotile asbestos, thereby destroying this crystal structure and the fibrous nature of the asbestos. The method may be used on building materials already in place to remove the asbestos fibers contained therein.