Many don't realize that asbestos actually is a blanket term used to refer to six minerals: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite. These minerals belong to the serpentine and amphibole families and they can all be dangerous.
Chrysotile
The "white asbestos," Chrysotile was the most widely used form of asbestos. It can still be found in walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs. It was also once used for gaskets, insulation, and automobile brake linings.
Amosite
The "brown asbestos," Amosite was most often used for pipe insulation and cement sheets. It could also be found for ceiling tiles, thermal insulation, and insulating board.
Crocidolite
The "blue asbestos," Crocidolite was often used for steam engine insulation and it was also found in some spray-on coatings, cement products, plastics, and in pipe insulation.
Anthophyllite
Used in limited quantities, Anthophyllite was an insulating product. It was also used for construction materials. Anthophyllite also contaminates chrysotile asbestos, vermiculite, and talc minerals. It has a dull green, white, or grey color.
Tremolite and Actinolite
While not used commercially, Tremolite and Actinolite can contaminate chrysotile asbestos, vermiculite, and talc minerals. It has a white, green, gray, brown, or transparent color.
Is Asbestos Illegal?
While over 50 countries have chosen to ban all six of these minerals entirely, they continue to be used in the United States under strict regulations.
Albany Asbestos is a local asbestos testing/inspection company.
Albany Asbestos LLC is located in Albany NY that has performed thousands of inspections. Give us a call today for all of your asbestos inspection, testing and surveying needs.
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