Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was widely used in various industries for its desirable properties, including heat resistance, strength, and insulating capabilities. However, it has become infamous for its hazardous health effects, leading to a ban on its use in many countries.
Understanding the different types of asbestos and their specific characteristics is crucial in comprehending the associated risks and ensuring proper handling and disposal. Here, we delve into the six different types of asbestos, highlighting their physical attributes, varied applications, and the critical distinction between friable and non-friable asbestos.
Chrysotile asbestos, also known as “white asbestos” due to the colour of the fibres, is the most commonly used type of asbestos.
Its long, curly fibers make it flexible and easy to spin. This characteristic makes it suitable for various industrial applications, including the production of textiles, cement, and brake linings. It is less friable compared to other asbestos types, thus posing a slightly lower risk when left undisturbed.
Amosite, otherwise known as “brown asbestos”, is known for it is sharp and straight fibrous structure.
This type of asbestos has high heat resistance and is commonly used in thermal insulation products, such as pipe insulation and thermal insulation boards. Due to its high iron content, it has good tensile strength and electrical resistance, making it suitable for construction and electrical insulation applications.
Crocidolite, or “blue asbestos”, is distinguished by its thin blue fibres.
This asbestos type has superior resistance to heat and acids. However, it is also considered the most hazardous type of asbestos due to its thin and brittle fibres, which easily become airborne when disturbed. It was commonly used in the manufacture of cement products and insulation materials.
Actinolite asbestos comes in various shades of green and is relatively rare.
Like amphibole asbestos, it has harsh, brittle fibres that can easily become airborne when disturbed. Actinolite has been found in certain construction materials, including drywall and sealants, as well as in some vermiculite products.
Anthophyllite asbestos consists of long, harsh fibres. It is among the less common types of asbestos and is generally found as a contaminant in other minerals, rather than being mined for its own purposes. Anthophyllite was occasionally used in limited industrial applications, including some construction materials and talc products.
Tremolite asbestos occurs in several colour forms, including white, grey, green, or transparent. It is often found as a contaminant in other minerals, rather than as a standalone asbestos product.
Tremolite has been used in the production of talc and vermiculite products, as well as in some construction materials.
It is crucial to distinguish between friable and non-friable asbestos to assess the associated risks accurately.
Friable asbestos refers to materials that are more likely to release fibres into the air when damaged or disturbed. These materials can crumble easily and are often found in insulation, whereas non-friable asbestos is more tightly bound and less likely to release fibres into the air unless subject to significant force or grinding. Non-friable asbestos is commonly found in materials such as vinyl tiles and cement products.
While asbestos has been banned in Canada and about 60 other countries, the dangers of it may still be lurking in some old homes and other buildings. Knowing what kind of asbestos you have and whether it is friable or non-friable can help determine the steps that need to be taken to ensure that it safely and efficiently removed.
The only way to know if you have asbestos is to test for it!
Our team of asbestos experts can come and assess your building, conduct professional testing of suspect materials, and remediate the problem all while keeping you and workers safe from the hazards associated with asbestos.
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