Six Types of Asbestos

Many people are aware of the fact that asbestos has been widely used for many years in construction as well as in manufactured goods due to its durability, strength, and heat-resistant properties. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that can be mined from rock and soil. Most people also know that asbestos is a dangerous substance and a known human carcinogen that can cause dangerous diseases after prolonged or even limited or secondhand exposure. Our team of national asbestos lawyers at BCH regularly represents individuals who have sustained serious harm due to asbestos exposure. Many people do not know, however, that there are six types of asbestos recognized by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

These six forms of asbestos are as follows:

• Chrysotile – Chrysotile is by far the most common type of asbestos. It was used for years in construction, including insulation and roofing. It was also used in manufactured goods such as brake pads. Exposure to chrysotile can cause diseases; it is perhaps less toxic, however, than other forms of asbestos.
• Amosite – Amosite or “brown asbestos” is mined in Africa and used in cement products, ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, and heat resistant products.
• Crocidolite – Crocidolite or “blue asbestos” is the most heat resistant type of asbestos in the asbestos family. It is also the most toxic and harmful to humans.
• Tremolite – Chrysotile contains tremolite, but it is not used alone in manufacturing any commercial products.
• Anthophyllite – This is another type of asbestos that is not used commercially but can be found as a contaminant in other products.
• Actinolite – Actinolite is rough, unyielding, and found as a contaminant but not commercially utilized.

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