What You Should Know About the Six Types of Asbestos

Your home might be harboring some elements that could harm your health. Asbestos is one toxic material that shouldn’t be in your home. Stay informed about the six types of asbestos and find out everything you need to know about this mineral.

Chrysotile

The first type of asbestos is chrysotile. For a long time, chrysotile asbestos was the most commonly used fiber in the US. It had great qualities, such as better heat resistance and flexibility, which allowed the fiber to be woven into fabric. You can still find chrysotile in:

• Cement
• Asphalt
• Rubber
• Plastic

Amosite

The remaining five types of asbestos on this list belong the amphibole family. Amphiboles are easier to inhale, and they create the most problems. Amosite is brittle, brown in color, and needle-like in appearance, and it’s the most dangerous of all the types of asbestos. Only a small percentage of buildings still use this type of asbestos—also known as brown asbestos—in the US. You can also find amosite in:

• Gaskets
• Thermal insulation
• Tiles
• Fire protective gear

Crocidolite

Crocidolite is called blue asbestos, and it’s the most dangerous in the amphibole family. The structure of this fiber resembles fine needle points. Crocidolite is the cause of many illnesses and deaths after long-term asbestos exposure. This material is now only used in rare occasions, mainly because it has less heat resistance. You might find this type of asbestos in tiles, insulation, and cement.

Anthophyllite

The structure of anthophyllite includes longer fibers that attach easily to the lungs. With a color that ranges from yellow to brown, this fiber contains iron and magnesium. This type is also rarely used in products nowadays.

Tremolite

Tremolite also does well with heat and is flexible enough to weave into fabrics. Before, you could find this fiber in roofing materials and paint. However, tremolite was linked to many cancer-related deaths, so it’s not mined anymore.

Actinolite

Actinolite is darker in color and features sharper needle fibers that contain things such as silicon and calcium. Manufacturers used actinolite in cement and paint sealers as well as drywall.

Any amount of asbestos exposure can harm a human. If you come across any asbestos in your home, you need to know which of the six types of asbestos it is. Make protecting your home’s air quality a priority by calling Air Safe, Inc. We serve the greater Boston and eastern Boston areas with our asbestos removal and identification services in MA. Call us to learn more about the asbestos types and our removal services.