Types of Asbestos

There are as many as six different types of asbestos found in building materials around the world. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once extensively used in construction and other industries due to its heat-resistant properties and durability. However, the use of asbestos has been linked with various health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

The Six Most Common Types of Asbestos

There are six types of asbestos recognized by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency:

• 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.

Source: Mesothelioma.Com

Chrysotile Asbestos: The Most Common Type of Asbestos

Chrysotile asbestos is the most commonly used type of asbestos, accounting for 90% to 95% of asbestos used in buildings across the US. Chrysotile asbestos has flexible fibers that can be woven into fabric and has excellent heat resistance. Due to these properties, chrysotile asbestos is extensively used in many insulation and fireproofing products. It can be found in roofing materials, gaskets, clutch materials, brake lining, brake pads, and plastics.

Chrysotile Asbestos Today

Chrysotile asbestos is still being mined today in countries like Canada, Russia, and Italy, where there is an ongoing debate between healthcare professionals and companies that continue to export it. These companies claim that the chrysotile mined today is safe since it is only used in dense and non-friable products and is encapsulated in either cement or resin. However, health care professionals maintain that all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic, and no level of exposure is safe.

Health Risks Associated with Chrysotile Asbestos

Chrysotile asbestos has been associated with the majority of cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, including pleural mesothelioma. Even though companies argue that the chrysotile mined today is safe, healthcare professionals maintain that all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic, and no level of exposure is safe.

Asbestos Exposure & Your Rights

Our team of national asbestos lawyers at BCH regularly represents individuals who have sustained serious harm due to asbestos exposure. You should know about your rights. Our firm can represent you. Discuss your asbestos exposure case with a member of our team free of charge. No fee unless we win.

Contact BCH at (713) 425-7100 for more information about asbestos exposure litigation.