Asbestos is not just one substance. The term refers to six fibrous minerals. These are naturally occurring and obtained by mining. There are more than 100 minerals which have fibers that are similar to asbestos fibers. Different types of asbestos have different common uses. They also have different levels of potential for causing illnesses such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
The term “asbestos” refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have been used in various industries for their heat resistance and insulating properties. There are six primary types of asbestos minerals, which are typically categorized into two mineral groups: serpentine and amphibole asbestos. Here are the six types:
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Chrysotile (White Asbestos):
- Chrysotile is the most common and widely used form of asbestos.
- It belongs to the serpentine group of asbestos minerals.
- Chrysotile fibers are curly and flexible.
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Amosite (Brown Asbestos):
- Amosite is an amphibole asbestos and is also known as brown asbestos.
- It has straight, needle-like fibers and is commonly found in insulation materials.
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Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos):
- Crocidolite is another type of amphibole asbestos and is known as blue asbestos.
- It has very fine, brittle fibers and is one of the most dangerous forms of asbestos due to its small size and durability.
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Anthophyllite:
- Anthophyllite is another amphibole asbestos.
- It is not commonly used in commercial products and is found in certain geologic formations.
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Tremolite:
- Tremolite is an amphibole asbestos and can exist in a fibrous form.
- It is sometimes found as a contaminant in other minerals and is not used industrially.
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Actinolite:
- Actinolite is another amphibole asbestos and is found in some natural mineral deposits.
- Like tremolite, it is not typically used in commercial products.
It’s important to note that exposure to asbestos, particularly the amphibole varieties, has been linked to serious health risks, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As a result, the use of asbestos has been highly regulated and restricted in many countries due to its carcinogenic properties. In many cases, safer alternatives have been developed for insulation and other applications, and asbestos removal and abatement efforts have been implemented to reduce the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Minerals
The six minerals recognized by the U.S. government as asbestos are:
- Chrysotile
- Amosite
- Crocidolite
- Tremolite
- Actinolite
- Anthophyllite
Serpentine and Amphibole
There are two main groups of asbestos – serpentine and amphibole. They are classified by the physical characteristics of the fibers. Serpentine fibers are curly and flexible. Amphibole fibers are straight, needle-like, and more rigid.
Chrysotile is the only type of asbestos classified as serpentine. It is the most commonly commercially used type of asbestos. The majority of cases of asbestos-related illness are caused by chrysotile because of its heavy use.
Asbestos Uses
Chrysotile has been used in a multitude of applications including plastics, asphalt, brake pads, roofing, textiles, and much more. Chrysotile use has been banned in many countries, but can still be used legally in the U.S. It accounts for about 95% of the asbestos-containing materials found in the U.S.
Although chrysotile has caused more asbestos-related illness, it is not the most dangerous type of asbestos. Crocidolite is the most deadly form of asbestos. It is amphibole asbestos, and easily penetrated the body’s tissues. It is also known as blue asbestos because the fibers are blue in color. Crocidolite is primarily used in cement.
Amosite is the second-most dangerous type of asbestos
Amosite is the second-most dangerous type of asbestos, and used to be the second-most commonly used for industrial purposes. Even so, it did not come close to the heavy usage of chrysotile. Amosite has been banned in many countries, but was popular for use in insulation. Even where it is no longer used it can still be found in pre-existing buildings.
Termolite and anthophyllite may be found in talcum powder. Vermiculite may also be contaminated with termolite.
Actinolite has not been heavily used in commercial applications. Some types of actinolite are not fibrous and do not pose the usual asbestos-related health threats.