Asbestos can be categorised as either friable or non-friable.
Friable asbestos can easily crumble and release fibers into the air, while non-friable asbestos is more tightly bound within materials.
Friable asbestos poses a higher risk of exposure and requires specialised handling during removal. Non-friable asbestos, if left undisturbed, may pose a lower risk.
Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, is the most commonly used type of asbestos.
It’s long, flexible fibers made it suitable for weaving into fabrics.
Chrysotile was frequently used in building materials, such as roofing, insulation, and ceilings. However, inhaling chrysotile fibers can lead to respiratory issues and is associated with lung diseases.
Amphibole asbestos comprises several subtypes, including crocidolite, amosite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. These types of asbestos have distinct fiber shapes and are more brittle than chrysotile.
Amphibole asbestos was used in products like insulation, pipe insulation, and cement sheets. Exposure to amphibole asbestos is linked to a higher risk of developing serious health conditions, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
