Questions and Answers

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Why did they use Asbestos if it is so dangerous ?

For many years asbestos was considered to be an extremely valuable material. With a wide range of uses thanks to its insulating and strengthening properties, it was used for sound proofing, mixed into cement, and as a constituent part of many coatings and commonly-used products such as Artex.

One of the places that asbestos is commonly found is as a part of materials such as floor and ceiling tiles, after having been bonded with other materials such as vinyl. Unfortunately, however, since the heyday of asbestos it has been established that this material actually poses a number of significant health risks.

Today, asbestos remains one of the leading causes of work-related illnesses. So, if you have asbestos tiles anywhere in your workplace or even at home, it is important to understand how to recognise it and deal with it. In this blog we examine asbestos in tiles to take a closer look.

How can I tell if I have Asbestos in my home ?

It is impossible to tell whether asbestos is present in materials simply by looking at them. As asbestos is only a material contained within the material and can look identical to those that contain only harmless materials.

In general, the only way to be certain whether asbestos is present or not is to have an asbestos survey carried out. During an asbestos survey, our Surveyor will take a sample of the material and send it to the Laboratory for analysis to confirm whether it contains asbestos. From there, the surveyor will provide a report containing details on the asbestos found and potential next steps.

How many types of Asbestos are there ?

These are the three main types of asbestos:

Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)

Part of the amphibole family, crocidolite asbestos is extremely hazardous. It consists of fine, sharp fibres. The nature of these fibres means they are easy to inhale, making blue asbestos the most dangerous in the amphibole family. Studies have shown that it may be responsible for more illnesses and deaths than any other type of asbestos.

Chrysotile (White Asbestos)

This is the only known type of asbestos in the serpentine family. It is obtained from serpentine rocks, which are commonly found in countries around the world. Unlike amphibole varieties, chrysolite consists of a layered structure.

The most common type of asbestos, chrysotile is the main form of commercial asbestos used around the world.

Widely used for its heat resistant properties and flexible fibres, chrysotile was commonly found in applications such as:

Asphalt
Brake pads and linings
Cement
Clutches
Disk pads
Gaskets
Plastics
Rubber
textiles

Amosite (Brown Asbestos)

Amosite, or brown asbestos, is one of the most dangerous types of asbestos, as its fibres can be inhaled easily.

This type of asbestos features sharp, brittle, and needle-like fibres. It is commonly found in products such as:

Cement
Chemical and electrical insulation
Fire protection
Gaskets
Insulation boards
Plumbing insulation
Roofing
Thermal insulation
Tiles

Other asbestos types

There are also three other types of asbestos, although these are less common and have never been sold commercially. They were, however, often found as contaminants in asbestos products.

Anthophyllite

Anthophyllite fibres are long, needle-like fibres made up mainly of magnesium and iron. The fibres usually range from brown to yellow in colour. They are commonly detected as contaminants in composite flooring and often used in products such as talc.

Research suggests that exposure to this type of asbestos poses a lower risk of mesothelioma than amosite, chrysotile, and crocidolite. However, there is still very much a link between the disease and anthophyllite.

Tremolite

Part of the amphibole family, tremolite consists of sharp fibres, which are easy to inhale.

Found in minerals such as talc and vermiculite, tremolite fibres can appear as several colours, including white, green and grey. It can also be woven into clothing. These fibres are often found as contaminants in chrysotile asbestos, in applications such as paint, insulation, and talc products.

Actinolite

Actinolite fibres are lightweight, typically dark in colour, sharp and needle-like. This type of asbestos is found in a range of forms – it can be brittle and fibrous, or dense and compact. It is often found in paints, sealants, and drywall products.