What Are The Different Types Of Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is composed of thin, needle-like fibers. It has been widely used in various industries due to its unique properties, such as heat resistance, tensile strength, and chemical stability. The problem with asbestos is that when its fibers are inhaled, they get permanently lodged in the lungs and can cause life threatening diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. For this reason, the use of asbestos in building materials has been banned since the late 1980s. Unfortunately, asbestos can still be found today in a large number of houses and buildings built before then. There are several different types of asbestos, some of which we’ll cover below! If you have any questions about asbestos or if you’d like to get a free estimate on an asbestos testing service for your property in Massachusetts, please contact DCM Environmental Testing Co. today!
What Are The Main Categories Of Asbestos?
There are two “asbestos mineral families”, and all the different types of asbestos can be classified under these two groups:
Serpentine Asbestos:
The serpentine asbestos family includes chrysotile, which is the most common type of asbestos. Chrysotile fibers are curly and flexible, making them easy to weave into fabrics. It is used in roofing, insulation, and various other building materials.
Amphibole Asbestos:
The amphibole asbestos family includes all other types of asbestos that are used for commercial purposes: amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. Amphibole fibers are straight and more brittle, which makes them more likely to break and become airborne.
Six Different Types Of Asbestos
1. Chrysotile (White Asbestos):
Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, is the most common type of asbestos, accounting for approximately 95% of asbestos used in construction materials. It is recognized for its flexibility and ability to withstand high temperatures.
2. Amosite (Brown Asbestos):
Amosite is recognized for its strength and is frequently used in insulation and cement products. It carries a greater risk of causing health issues compared to chrysotile.
3. Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos):
Crocidolite is considered the most dangerous type of asbestos due to its thin, sharp fibers that can easily be inhaled. It is used in high-temperature insulation and some industrial applications.
4. Anthophyllite:
Anthophyllite is not as widely utilized as other types of asbestos, but it can be found in certain insulation materials and talc products. It poses a lower risk than many other asbestos varieties, although exposure can still lead to health issues. It is typically found in metamorphic rocks and can be more challenging to identify due to its less common occurrence in industrial applications. Proper precautions should still be taken when handling materials that may contain it.
5. Tremolite:
Often found as a contaminant in other minerals, tremolite is not used commercially but can still pose health risks if inhaled. Due to its fibrous nature, it can easily become airborne, increasing the chances of exposure during mining or processing.
6. Actinolite:
Actinolite is a type of asbestos that is rarer than other types and is not a primary source of asbestos exposure. Applications of actinolite include cement, insulation, paint, drywall, and sealants.
Contact DCM Environmental Testing Co. for Asbestos Testing Services in Massachusetts!
If you believe your home or building may contain asbestos, it's crucial for the health and safety of your family to test for it as soon as possible! At DCM Environmental, we provide Massachusetts and the surrounding region with professional, unbiased testing services for asbestos and other hazardous materials. Contact us today to get a free asbestos testing estimate by calling us at (617) 481-5782 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
