What Are the Different Types of Asbestos?

Asbestos used to be a preferred building material because anything made with it is heat-resistant, durable, sound-absorbent, and fireproof. Despite its many applications, asbestos has left people suffering from mesothelioma. That is why asbestos abatement in Durham region and across the globe is in high demand.

With a reputable provider of asbestos abatement services, homes and workplaces can be safe from this hazardous material. Let’s look into the different types of asbestos.

Asbestos of the Serpentine Family

In this family, chrysotile is the only type of asbestos. Also called white asbestos, chrysotile is a preferred ingredient in fireproofing and insulation products. Health care experts maintain that every type of asbestos is unsafe at any level.

Asbestos of the Amphibole Family

You will find five types of asbestos in this family. This family has straight chain-like structures. Its asbestos fibres can go into the lungs more easily. That is why the types of asbestos under amphibole are categorized as destructive.

1. Amosite

You may know this type of asbestos as brown asbestos. It is the most dangerous type of asbestos. You will recognize it by its sharp fibres that are like brittle needles. According to experts in asbestos abatement in Durham region, this type of asbestos is still used in manufacturing insulation boards, cement, and tiles.

2. Actinolite

This variety of asbestos is needle-like and sharp as well. It also has a dark colour. The fibres of actinolite are thin and light, so it is easy to breathe them in. Manufacturers used to incorporate actinolite in their insulation, drywall, cement, paints, and sealants.

3. Crocidolite

Some know this asbestos as blue asbestos. Crocidolite has sharp fibres that are fine enough to pass through air passages without effort. This type of asbestos may be responsible for a large number of asbestos-related deaths. You may not find crocidolite as a common material in building materials. The reason is that it is not as heat-resistant as the other types of asbestos.

4. Tremolite

Because of its heat-resistant trait, tremolite was used in the manufacturing of products like fabric, roofing, and paint. Health care experts discovered that tremolite was responsible for many asbestos-related diseases such as cancer. That is why no one mines it anymore. Tremolite is recognizable through its milky white to dark green coloration.  

5. Anthophyllite

This type of amphibole asbestos has distinctive long, sharp, fine fibres that are easy to inhale. You can recognize anthophyllite by its brown to yellowish colour. Experts of asbestos abatement services add that anthophyllite also contains iron and magnesium. This variant is present in some insulation and cement products.

Professional Asbestos Abatement in the GTA Can Help

Some people are surprised to know that there are various types of asbestos. Asbestos brings many advantages to its product applications, but all types of asbestos are detrimental to people’s health. That is why providers of asbestos abatement in the GTA including Durham region are keen on educating people about asbestos.

At Air Doctors, Inc., we perform accurate area sweeps and diligent sampling. We believe that being thorough is key to being safe. If you want to know more about asbestos abatement packages in the GTA, give us a call today. Our representatives are always ready to address your concerns.