TYPES OF ASBESTOS

What are the different types of asbestos?

If you need to understand what type of asbestos needs efficient and safe removal, Australian Enviro Services can help.

Asbestos “type” can refer to several aspects of classification. In the following article, we will explain a few different ways to think about the types of asbestos. This will put you into a better position to speak with your stakeholders, contractors and public officials about asbestos removal in Sydney and remediation.

In the article that follows we will help you to understand the following concepts about the different types of asbestos:

• First, we discuss the big picture, these are the common types of asbestos-containing materials we deal with in our daily work; insulation, soil, cement, shingles, tiles and siding.
• Next, we will discuss the importance of knowing whether a particular type of asbestos fibre is considered friable asbestos or non-friable asbestos.
• Finally, we will give you a description of the colours of asbestos minerals, whether they appear blue, white or brown when they are mined from the earth.

Common types of asbestos containing materials (ACM’s)

There are different types of asbestos-containing materials which need to be removed. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the kinds of building materials that contain asbestos and areas where asbestos is often found. Some types of asbestos are more likely to appear in an industrial setting while others are more often found at a domestic remediation site.

Asbestos types found in domestic settings, especially in Sydney:

• Roofing
• Siding
• Pipe insulation
• Asbestos insulation
• Soil that is contaminated with asbestos

Asbestos types associated with industrial sites and manufacturing:

• Pipe lagging
• Boiler insulation
• Fire retardant material on steelwork
• Sprayed insulation

Friable asbestos vs. Non-Friable asbestos

Asbestos-containing materials are either friable or non-friable.

Friable asbestos basically means “breathable”. When dry, friable asbestos materials can be crushed by hand into a powder. When asbestos fibres can become airborne they are extremely dangerous. This is why Friable materials must only be handled and removed by a qualified asbestos removalist with an ‘A’ class licence.

Examples of friable asbestos-containing materials include:

• Sprayed on fire retardants
• Soundproofing insulation
• The lining of some old domestic heaters, stoves and hot water systems
• Vinyl and linoleum floor coverings

Non-friable, or bonded asbestos also sometimes called ‘fibro’, ‘asbestos cement’ and ‘AC sheeting’ is often found in a domestic home setting. Left undisturbed, non-friable materials are less likely to release asbestos fibre into the air so are usually considered less of a threat.

Examples of non-friable asbestos-containing materials include:

• asbestos cement products
• plaster patching compounds
• textured paint
• vinyl floor coverings.

Asbestos Mineral Types

Chrysotile (white asbestos) 94%

Chrysotile is the most commonly used form of what is commonly referred to as “asbestos”. It makes up 94% of the asbestos in world production. can be found today in the roofs, ceilings, walls and floors of homes and businesses. Manufacturers also used chrysotile asbestos in automobile brake linings, gaskets and boiler seals, and insulation for pipes, ducts and appliances, adhesives, fireproofing, roofing, gaskets and vinyl tiles.

Amosite (brown asbestos) < 2%

Amosite (brown asbestos) is estimated to be the second most commonly used type of asbestos. In its natural state, it is known as grunerite and was mainly mined in South Africa. Amosite was used most frequently in cement sheets and pipe insulation. It can also be found in insulating board, ceiling tiles and thermal insulation products.

Crocidolite (blue asbestos) < 4%

Crocidolite (blue asbestos) was commonly used to insulate steam engines, and it was also used in some spray-on coatings, pipe insulation, plastics, fireproofing, ceiling tiles and cement products. Its fibers are extremely thin, causing them to lodge more easily in lung tissue. The most common mining sites for this type of asbestos were Bolivia, Australia and South Africa.

Anthophyllite – < 1%

Anthophyllite was used in limited quantities for insulation products and construction materials, and it also occurs as a contaminant in chrysotile asbestos, vermiculite and talc. It may have a grey, dull green or white colour. It is one of the rarest types of asbestos and does not have a long history of commercial use. The mining of this mineral began in Finland, and smaller deposits were mined in various other countries around the world.

Tremolite and actinolite < 1%

Tremolite and actinolite are not used commercially, but they can be found as contaminants in chrysotile asbestos, vermiculite and talc. The chemically similar minerals can be brown, white, green, grey or transparent.