Different types of asbestos are commonly found in buildings. Asbestos is a highly potent and toxic substance that can be released into the air of your home or commercial building if it is handled incorrectly. It is important to consider hiring a highly trained asbestos inspector to determine whether your home contains asbestos prior to partaking in home renovations.
Types of Asbestos
There are 6 different types of asbestos that you may find in your home and knowing each is a great way to understand how your health could be affected.
White/Chrysotile Asbestos
Commonly referred to as white asbestos, this type of material is generally constructed into a sheet of crystals. Over 95% of all of the asbestos used in homes and other building functions around the world are of the white asbestos variety. Even in many countries around the world, this particular type of asbestos is still used. There are parties who negate the health effects of this hazardous material, but in reality, it is quite carcinogenic.
Amosite Asbestos
Also referred to as brown asbestos, amosite was originally derived from Africa. There are many applications for this type of material but it is mostly used in the insulation of pipes and the creation of cement sheets. Builders have been known to find brown asbestos in insulating boards, ceiling tiles, and other types of insulation products.
Crocidolite Asbestos
Crocidolite asbestos is also known as blue asbestos and it has been used in a variety of different places due to the fact that it is renowned for its heat resistant properties. This material is mined in Australia, Bolivia, and South Africa and it is also known as the most dangerous types of asbestos that you can find. In the past, it was used for the insulation of steam engines but it can also be found in cements, insulation for pipes, and spray-on paints and other coatings.
Tremolite Asbestos
Found mostly in vermiculite and talc, tremolite isn’t known for its use in commercial and residential building materials. Instead, it is mostly seen as a contaminate along with other types of asbestos. You may find tremolite in sealants and paints, though there have been some builders who have found it in roofing materials.
Anthrophyllite Asbestos
Gray-brown in color, this type of asbestos was mined in Finland. Much like tremolite, anthrophyllite hasn’t been used for commercial or residential purposes, as it is mostly found in composite flooring.
Actinolite Asbestos
Unlike other types of asbestos, actinolite isn’t flexible and hasn’t been used for residential or commercial building purposes. Instead, it is sometimes found as a contaminate alongside other types of asbestos.