We all know that asbestos is dangerous, but did you know that there are many different types of asbestos? Each one is just as dangerous as the next, but what are the differences in the asbestos types? Asbestos Abatement Services has all the information necessary to keep you informed about asbestos and its dangers.
There are two major categories of asbestos minerals. Each was used in certain materials to make heat resistant and durable products.
Serpentine
Serpentine asbestos is curly fibers that consist of crystal sheets. Chrysotile is also known as white asbestos and is the only fiber that is part of the serpentine family. Chrysotile is known to cause serious health conditions and is the most used asbestos fiber, making up 95% of construction and commercial applications.
- Chrysotile is used in many products, including:Brake Pads
- Insulation
- Gaskets
- Insulation
- Adhesives
- Tile
- Roofing
Amphibole
Amphibole asbestos consists of amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, actinolite, and tremolite. Below is more information about each.
Amosite
Amosite is the most commonly used asbestos fiber in construction materials. Amosite is more toxic than chrysotile, and its fibers are straighter and shorter. It is also brown in color.
Crocidolite
This type of asbestos is less common and is less resistant to heat than the other types. It is blue in color, and the fibers are extremely thin, which enters the human tissues easier. Crocidolite is the most toxic of all asbestos.
Tremolite
Tremolite is found alongside chrysotile and was used in attic insulation. This type of asbestos was used in over 35 million homes in America.
Anthophyllite
Anthophyllite is one of the least used types of asbestos, as it is harder to find. It was mined mostly in Finland, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Actinolite
Actinolite has straight fibers that are a darker color. It was used to make insulation and was used in materials to make paint and drywall.
