What Are The Different Types Of Asbestos?
There are several unique types of asbestos, all classed as carcinogenic. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis or asbestos related pleural thickening, understanding the key differences and how each type of asbestos was used in the UK can provide clarity. You can understand why your condition may have developed and whether you can claim financial compensation.
We’ve outlined the different types of asbestos in this guide to help empower you in your situation, whatever that means for you.
How was asbestos used in the UK?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are mechanically strong and resistant to water, heat, fire and degradation. Because of these properties, asbestos was used in a range of industries throughout the 20th century, primarily manufacturing and construction.
Tragically, asbestos exposure proved harmful and remains the greatest cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain, as asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis can take decades to develop after the exposure to asbestos took place. The link between asbestos dust and cancer was known from the 1960s and all types of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were banned in the UK in November 1999.
Buildings still contain the mineral, but as long as the fibres remain contained and the asbestos material is in good condition, they pose little risk.
However, the concern is that asbestos in buildings today was installed decades ago and so despite the strong properties of asbestos, after decades of being in place they may naturally start to wear and tear to the passage of time.
What are the 6 types of asbestos?
Asbestos is divided into two sub-groups, based on the structure of the crystallised fibres: these are serpentine and amphibole. Serpentine accounted for over 95% of asbestos used worldwide. The amphibole form is most hazardous to health, but the International Agency for Research on Cancer confirms any form can cause mesothelioma.
Chrysotile asbestos
Also known as white asbestos, this is the only serpentine form. This was the main type of asbestos utilised in the UK, widely used in manufacturing and construction between the 1950s and 1980s.
Amosite asbestos
Largely used in building foundations for insulation and fireproofing. Also found in general building materials like cement sheets. It is referred to as brown asbestos.
Crocidolite asbestos
Historically, the most commonly used amphibole asbestos was added to cement and used to insulate pipework and boilers. It’s considered to be the most hazardous due to its brittle, needle-like fibres. It is referred to as blue asbestos.
Actinolite, anthophyllite & tremolite asbestos
Largely not used in an industrial way in the UK. These forms of asbestos can be found in talc.
Types of asbestos FAQs
How many common types of asbestos are there?
Of the six types of asbestos, there are three main forms: chrysotile (white), amosite (brown) and crocidolite (blue). These were most extensively used in commercial buildings in the UK. They were added to other materials like cement and were a stand-alone mineral for insulation and fireproofing.
What is the scientific name for blue asbestos?
Crocidolite asbestos is the scientific name for blue asbestos. This type of asbestos is widely considered the deadliest due to its needle-like fibres, which more easily lodge in the lungs if inhaled.
How dangerous is white asbestos?
All asbestos poses a health risk. Inhalation of the fibres or ‘dust’ can be fatal in some people, causing incurable conditions including mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, and asbestosis.
Because of its unique structure, white asbestos is considered less potent than blue or brown asbestos amphiboles, because blue and brown fibres tend to stay in the lungs for longer. However, white asbestos was used most commonly commercially in the UK, increasing the risk of exposure due to its wide use. It’s classed as harmful and a Category 1 carcinogen.
Speak to us about asbestos-related claims
Learning more about the different types of asbestos and understanding asbestos exposure risks is the first step in gaining a sense of control following a mesothelioma or asbestosis diagnosis.
If you think that you may have been exposed to asbestos fibres and have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, our experienced specialist solicitors are here to help you work out whether you’re entitled to compensation. The two Partners who specialise in asbestos disease claims at Hodge Jones & Allen have almost 50 years of experience between them in managing, and we offer the caring, comprehensive support you deserve.
Get in touch with our asbestos team today by calling 0330 822 3451 for confidential, no-obligation advice. You can also explore more of our asbestos-related blogs for general guidance.