There are six type of widely known Asbestos. And each type belonged to one of the two category which are :
Serpentine
Out of the all the asbestos, there is only one that goes under the group of Serpentine, more known as the “White Asbestosâ€. This category of asbestos has a structured and curly fibers.
Despite being only a only one Asbestos in the group Chrysolite’s are the most used Asbestos in the world.
- Chrysolite is commonly utilized for Gaskets, Cement , Insulation, Brake Pads, Brake Linings, Joint Compound and Roofing Materials.
Amphibole
All the other 5 types of Asbestos belong to the Amphibole group. This group of asbestoshas a long chain-like structure of fibers that are sharp and straight and easy to inhale.
- Amosite Asbestos known as the “brown†asbestos, not used nowadays but was once second mostly commonly used Asbestos.
- Crocidolite Asbestos known as the “blue†asbestos has a much harder and more brittle than other types of the mineral and can break easily.
- Anthophyllite Asbestos is one of the rarest types of asbestos and does not have a long history of commercial use. Traces of anthophyllite may be present in talc and related products such as talcum powder.
- Tremolite Asbestos are strong, flexible, heat-resistant, and can be spun and woven into cloth in which makes it useful for commercial uses.
- Actinolite Asbestos is an asbestos who’s mostly dark coloured. Typically used with the similar mineral vermiculite, which expands when heated. Can be found to be used as construction materials, for gardening, insulation, fireproofing etc.
Despite having different types of existing Asbestos. It is undeniable that all of them present a health risk. Each from the other may present different risks and may require different levels of exposure for the worker to be in harm but it not possible to avoid the risks as long as a worker is exposed to any type of Asbestos at a workplace.