Asbestos Fibre Types
Whilst the dangers of asbestos exposure are widely known to many, what is not so widely known is what asbestos fibres may look like and in what materials they may be found.
- Asbestos products come in many forms and may be found in both domestic and industrial premises.
- Although asbestos use was banned in the UK in 1999, lots of buildings still have historically used asbestos materials within them.
- When referring to asbestos in buildings, you may come across references to “ACMS” – this is an abbreviation for “Asbestos Containing Materials”. An ACM is any material which has asbestos fibres within it. This includes sheeting, lagging, fire-proofing materials and rope.
- Disturbed or damaged asbestos materials pose a risk to health, as fibres can be released into the air which are then inhaled and can cause fatal diseases in some people.
- If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, there may be an entitlement to compensation, as well as DWP payments. Our experienced Solicitors can advise on all the available options.
Asbestos fibres are classified into two main mineral groups
1. Serpertine
Where the fibres are soft, flexible and curved (Chrysotile).
2. Amphibole
Where the fibres are straight, stiff and needle-like (Amosite, Crocidolite, Tremolite, Anthophyllite and Actinolite).
- Chrysotile – this is more commonly known as white asbestos and was the most common type of asbestos used in the UK. White asbestos is dangerous to health and is classed as a carcinogen. It poses a severe risk to health when it becomes airborne through cutting, drilling or crumbling. Exposure to white asbestos fibres was extremely common between the 1950s and 1980s due to its wide use in construction, manufacturing and insulation. Many workers were told that white asbestos was safe, which was inaccurate advice.
- Amosite – this is more commonly known as brown asbestos and is a common amphibole widely used in construction. Brown asbestos is often found in cement sheets, asbestos insulating boards, pipe insulation, ceiling tiles and fireproofing materials.
- Crocidolite – this is more commonly known as blue asbestos and is one of the most hazardous forms of asbestos due to its brittle, thin, needle-like fibres, which can easily lodge in lung tissue causing a high risk of mesothelioma developing. Blue asbestos often appears as a blue-grey fibrous material, sometimes described as loose or fluffy. Blue asbestos exposure was common between the 1950s and mid 1980s, due to its widespread use in asbestos cement, insulation (on pipework and boilers) and spray-on insulation coatings. Its strength and heat resistance made it a popular choice for high temperature applications.
- Tremolite, Anthophyllite and Actinolite – these types were generally not used in an industrial way within the UK. They can be found as a contaminant in talc and vermiculite products. Their fibrous forms are highly toxic and can cause asbestos related diseases.
Blue (Crocidolite) and brown (Amosite) asbestos were banned in the UK in 1985. However, the more commonly used white asbestos (Chrysotile) was not banned in the UK until 1999.
HSE guidance to assist in the identification of asbestos materials
The HSE has provided guidance on what asbestos materials may look like. This can be found here. The only definitive way to find out whether a material contains asbestos is via laboratory testing.
Be Asbestos Aware
The breathing in of asbestos dust can cause asbestos related diseases but proper precautions can be taken to avoid this happening. Always remember that asbestos materials may not be obvious and so if you have any suspicion about a material containing asbestos, assume it does and take the necessary precautions and seek relevant advice.
Do asbestos fibres stay in the air?
Yes. Asbestos fibres can typically remain suspended in the air for 2-3 days after being disturbed, though they can stay airborne longer in poorly ventilated or enclosed spaces. Because the fibres are microscopic and lightweight, they can easily be released into the air by minor disturbances and draughts, even after settling on surfaces.
What length are asbestos fibres?
Asbestos fibres are tiny and individually can usually only be seen under a microscope. However, they are easily inhalable if airborne.
Are asbestos fibres visible?
Yes, in some circumstances. An individual asbestos fibre will not normally be seen with the naked eye because each fibre is microscopic in size. However, if asbestos materials are damaged and clumps of asbestos fibres are released, they may be easily seen. If, for example, a worker is sweeping up asbestos dust and debris, the asbestos fibres are likely to be seen. If someone is cutting up asbestos sheeting, the dust will be seen as there is so much of it being generated.
Can asbestos fibres be washed out of clothes?
Only with specialised cleaning. Standard washing in a household washing machine is not guaranteed to remove all or even most embedded asbestos fibres. In fact, attempting to wash contaminated clothing in a standard washing machine can make the fibres airborne and can contaminate the washing machine, spreading the hazard to other laundry. Airborne danger can occur when shaking out or handling contaminated clothes which can release fibres into the air. Clothing should be cleaned by specialised, industrial or professional decontamination services.
How dangerous is white asbestos?
All asbestos, irrelevant of colour or type, is dangerous for health. Asbestos fibres are toxic and are recognised carcinogens.
Do I need to have inhaled a lot of asbestos fibres to be at risk of developing an asbestos disease?
No. Mesothelioma and asbestos related pleural thickening can be caused by minimal exposure to asbestos dust. However, asbestosis and asbestos related lung cancer require a higher level of exposure to asbestos dust. All exposure to any type of asbestos dust, even minimal exposure, is therefore risky to health.
