Knowing Asbestos: Types and Places
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been widely used because of its fire-resistant properties and durability. It is associated with serious health hazards such as lung cancer and asbestosis, so knowledge of the several types of asbestos and their locations is especially important to the homeowner, builder, and safety professional.
The Four Major Types of Asbestos
Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
Description: Chrysotile is the most common form of asbestos found in buildings – approximately 95% of all asbestos in buildings. It is a serpentine mineral type; it contains long, curly fibers.
The general applications of chrysotile, given the flexibility and heat-resistant properties of the material, are roofing materials, insulation, brake linings, and fireproofing materials.
Locations: Found in older homes-insulation and flooring, commercial buildings, and vehicles manufactured before the late 1990s.
Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
Description: Amosite is a type of amphibole asbestos mineral with long, straight fibers. It is much less common than chrysotile, but it also saw significant uses within the building trade.
Other common usages include items like cement sheets, insulations, and thermal insulation products.
Places: Generally found in schools, industrial buildings, and residential facilities of the mid-20th century, especially those that contain insulation materials.
Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
Description: Another form of amphibole asbestos, crocidolite contains very fine, brittle fibers. It is also one of the most hazardous types of asbestos, given the high degree of fragility of the fibers and the ability of these to penetrate the tissue of the lungs.
Uses: Primarily those of spray-on coatings, insulation, and some cement products.
Locations: Generally, are found at older industrial facilities, shipyards, and buildings serving high-heat exposure applications.
Tremolite, Anthophyllite and Actinolite
Description: The following are the rarer forms of asbestos. Sometimes these may occur as impurities of other minerals but they, too, are from the amphibole group of asbestos and thus are highly toxic.
Common Uses: Not typically found on purpose, these minerals are often constituents of talc products, insulation materials and vermiculite.
Places: These can be found inside old structures with much natural material used for construction or as insulation.
Where Asbestos Can Be Found
Asbestos hides in many unsuspected places, especially inside buildings issued before the year 1980. Listed below are some usual places one should know about:
- Insulation Asbestos: spray-applied insulation, pipe insulation, and thermal insulation materials may contain asbestos.
- Flooring Materials Vinyl tiles, linoleum, and their adhesives often contain chrysotile asbestos.
- Roofs and Sidings. Most of the older homes include asbestos-cement shingles and roofing felt.
- Textiles: some heat-resistant industrial clothes and blankets, and other textile products may contain asbestos.
- Popcorn Ceilings: Most acoustic ceiling tiles and textured finishes installed before the late 1980s have a possibility of containing asbestos.
Safety First: How to Proceed
In case you suspect asbestos in your house or office, the only thing you are supposed to do is not touch it. The fibers only become dangerous when they become airborne. Steps to take:
DO NOT DISTURB: Intact and/or undisturbed materials may be considered to not present an immediate hazard.
Professional Assessment: It involves bringing in a certified asbestos inspector to assess the situation and perform tests if needed.
Asbestos Removal – If asbestos exists, removal or remediation should only be performed by a licensed asbestos abatement professional.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between types of asbestos and where they could be hiding is important to maintain a safe living and working environment. Awareness and caution can reduce the health hazards associated with being exposed to asbestos. This makes it imperative for individuals and workplaces to stay informed and initiative-taking. Always ensure you are being safe and consult with professionals before dealing with asbestos-containing materials.
