A Beginner’s Guide to Asbestos
Today the adverse effects of asbestos are widely known and understood. Asbestos related diseases are currently responsible for the deaths of approximately 5000 people annually in the United Kingdom resulting from historical exposure.
In this guide we discuss the different types of asbestos, what they look like and where they might be found.
Types of Asbestos
There are six different types of Asbestos, Chrysotile, Amosite and Crocidolite are the three most commonly used in the UK, but the rarer Tremolite, Actinolite and Anthophyllite may also be found.
Each type possesses their own unique characteristics and may have been utilised for slightly different purposes (as we explain below). Asbestos was favoured for its strong insulating properties and ability to add strength to a variety of common building materials.
Chrysotile
Chrysotile is the most widely used type of asbestos fibres. It has been used in cement, friction materials and a variety of different building materials. Chrysotile makes up 95% of the asbestos found in buildings.
The fibres in Chrysotile are flexible, curly and white in colour and are considered to be the least hazardous of the asbestos types.
Amosite
Amosite is the second most common type of asbestos found in buildings and was commonly used for thermal insulation of pipework, boilers and tanks. It was also used in the construction of building boards such as “Supalux”
Amosite is made up of needle-like sharp fibres which readily break down into even smaller fibres which lodge into the bodies tissues such as the lungs and abdominal lining.
Crocidolite
Crocidolite, also known as blue asbestos, was mainly used to insulate steam engines, boilers and pipework. This asbestos was also used in spray-on coatings for insulation and fire protection. Some cement based building materials such as roof sheets may also contain Crocidolite.
This asbestos type is considered to be the most hazardous of all the types.
Tremolite
Tremolite is another dangerous form of asbestos. Like other types due to the shape and structure of the fibres Tremolite fibres are sharp and easy to inhale. Tremolite varies in colour from a milky white colour to a dark green.
Actinolite
Actinolite is very similar to Tremolite. It is a green or dark grey coloured asbestos with flexible more elastic fibres.
Although not widely mined for commercial purposes traces of Actinolite have been found and used in loft insulation, drywall panels, sealants, talcum powder and fireproofing material.
In 2015 a US report found traces of Actinolite inside children’s spy kits within fingerprinting powder. There have also been traces of it found inside crayons. Information on that report can be found here.
Anthophyllite
Anthophyllite is a rare form of asbestos that was not widely used commercially. Anthophyllite fibres are needle shaped and equally as dangerous as other types of asbestos. Traces of this asbestos have been located in composite flooring and as a contaminant in talcum powder.
Why is Asbestos so Dangerous?
Asbestos is dangerous to human health because if it is disturbed fibres that make up the asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are likely to become airborne. They are then easily inhaled through the mouth and nose and once the fibres get into the body they are impossible to remove.
Once embedded in the lungs and other tissues asbestos fibres aggravate the tissue causing multiple respiratory problems and illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
How to Remove Asbestos From your Home or Building
Asbestos based materials can only be removed by Organisations that employ fully trained and qualified personnel. Highly efficient respiratory equipment and protective clothing are used during the removal process and other specialised equipment such as decontamination units, vacuums and negative pressure units ensure the asbestos is safely contained in purpose built enclosures.
If you suspect asbestos may be present in your home, garage, office or anywhere in your property you should always contact a professional and accredited removal body licensed by the Health and Safety Executive to safely remove and dispose of it.
Asbestos Removal UK with Rightway Environmental
Here at Rightway Environmental, we’re a HSE licensed removal contractor providing accredited asbestos removal services to commercial, domestic and industrial properties across the UK.
We have over 30 years of experience in the asbestos industry and have been responsible for managing removal projects small and large; ranging from a few thousand pounds to construction projects in excess of £7.5 million.
Whether you require asbestos removal, encapsulation or decontamination, we can offer you the right solution at a competitive price. All of the services offered are carried out in strict compliance with Health & Safety Executive Legislation and approved codes of practice.
See more: Asbestos Removal Process – A Step by Step Guide
See more: What Happens During an Asbestos Survey?