Understanding Asbestos

Understanding Asbestos: Types, Uses, and Where It Hides in Your Home

You may have heard of asbestos and the dangers associated with it, but what exactly is it?

Believe it or not, asbestos is a naturally occurring group of mineral fibers.

However, due to its carcinogenic potential when inhaled, asbestos is no longer mined in the United States and is now heavily regulated.

But it wasn’t always. Before the 1980s, asbestos was popular and widely used. That means you can find many types of asbestos in different parts of your home.

Types of Asbestos

Actinolite Asbestos

Color: Grey or Green

While actinolite asbestos is less common, its long, sharp fibers can penetrate deep into the lung tissue, creating a higher risk of carcinogenic potential.

Amosite Asbestos

Color: Brown

Amosite asbestos is the second most commonly used asbestos in the United States and is characterized by its thin, needle-like shape.

Anthophyllite Asbestos

Color: Yellowish Brown

Anthophyllite asbestos is the rarest type of asbestos and does not have a long history of commercial use. Its thin fibers easily break down into microscopic pieces.

Chrysolite Asbestos

Color: White

Chrysolite asbestos historically makes up more than 95% of asbestos worldwide, making it the most commonly used form. It’s characterized by its long, curly fibers.

Crocidolite Asbestos

Color: Blue

While all asbestos is dangerous, crocidolite asbestos may be the most hazardous since it is responsible for more deaths than other types of asbestos. This is due to the fibers being extremely thin, making it easier for them to lodge into your lungs.

Tremolite Asbestos

Color: White to Dark Green

Tremolite asbestos is usually extracted when mining for other materials like vermiculite and talc. Though it is rarely used in commercial products, it’s still hazardous.

Uses for Asbestos

Before the 1980s, asbestos was a popular ingredient in many residential and commercial products due to its heat resistance, durability, and affordability.

‘While it’s not as widely used anymore, you can still find asbestos today in products like:

1. Building Materials and Construction
   Asbestos is used in building materials and construction products like roof shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and cement.
2. Friction Products
   Believe it or not, you can have asbestos in your car as well. They can be used in your car, brakes, and transmission.
3. Heat-Resistant Products
   The fire-resistant nature of asbestos is ideal in heat-resistant products like special fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.

Where Is Asbestos In My Home?

While the use of asbestos has significantly declined since 1970, it can still be lurking in many areas of your home and workplace. However, this is not necessarily a cause for concern.

Though asbestos does pose health risks, it’s typically only a problem if the material is disturbed or in poor condition since it releases dangerous fibers into the air.

That’s why it’s important to test for asbestos before any major renovations, especially if you have an older home.

You can also find asbestos in areas and products like:

• Walls
• Cement
• Insulation
• Roofing
• Rubber
• Electrical and chemical insulation
• Fire protection
• Floor and ceiling tiles
• Gaskets
• Pipes
• Vinyl tiles
• Drywall
• Paint

Contact ERI Consulting for Asbestos Testing

While the presence of asbestos alone isn’t necessarily a cause for panic, getting an asbestos test can put your mind at ease.

ERI Consulting can reassure you with our top-notch asbestos testing services.

Contact us today to schedule your service.

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