Types of Asbestos

Asbestos Types

Asbestos (also called Asbestosis) is often thought of as a single product, but the term actually refers to six different minerals with similar properties. These properties include fire resistance, durability, flexibility, and low electrical conductivity. Unfortunately, all 6 types of asbestos are also formed of thin fibers that can be separated and ingested by people. Although some types are considered more dangerous than others, asbestos does not exist without danger.

If you have been exposed to asbestos at work or at home, knowing the type of asbestos involved may have medical and legal implications. It is important that anyone who has their life affected by exposure to asbestos knows it’s different forms and the risks of each.

The Six Types of Asbestos

Although there are more than 100 minerals that have similar properties to asbestos, the United States government has only officially recognized six. These six types of asbestos are:

Chrysotile Asbestos.

The fibers that make up most types of asbestos have small, straight and strong forms, often described as "needle-like." Chrysotile asbestos (or "white asbestos") is the exception; Its fibers have a curly shape, like a spiral. This form makes them less likely to be inhaled, and for that reason they are less likely to cause health problems. Chrysotile asbestos is viewed as relatively safe and is still used in certain capacities in the United States; however, long-term exposure can cause serious health problems.

Asbestos Amosite.

Amosite asbestos fibers are straight and almost always brown or gray. By this characteristic, the common nickname of Amosita is "coffee asbestos." After Chrysotile asbestos, coffee asbestos was the second most common used in commercial products. Commercial use of this substance has been greatly diminished since the dangers were demonstrated in recent decades. Several countries have completely banned asbestos from coffee; In the United States, its use is strictly regulated.

Asbestos Crocidolite.

Known as the "blue asbestos," Crocidolite asbestos is composed of very sharp and very fine fibers. Compared to other forms of asbestos fibers, Crocidolite fibers are very easily broken and inhaled. Fortunately, blue asbestos was the least used type in the United States, because it is more brittle and less fire resistant than other types. It is the most dangerous type of asbestos.

Asbestos Tremolite.

Asbestos Tremolite naturally forms in large masses in many parts of the world, including Canada and certain parts of the United States. Although it was never one of the most frequently used forms of asbestos, it is one of the most dangerous. Tremolite has been found in various household products, including talc and even children's toys.

Asbestos Anthophyllite.

Asphalt Anthophylliteis not as durable as other forms, meaning it does not have as many industrial uses in the United States. However, it has been used as a component in certain products like paint and sealants. Miners, painters and shipyard workers are especially vulnerable to diseases related to Anthophyllite.

Asbestos Actinolite.

Asbestos Actinolite is similar to Tremolite: the two extend in colors from white to green, the two forms in certain types of stones, and none of them have a long history of industrial use. Actinolite comes in two forms: one that is composed of long, thin fibers, and one that is not. Fibrous actinolite is extremely dangerous, just like all forms of asbestos. Actinolite that is not fibrous does not have the same risk.