Types of Asbestos

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Crocidolite asbestos, also known as blue asbestos, is considered one of the most hazardous types of asbestos due to its extremely thin fibers.

These fibers can easily become airborne and may remain suspended in the air for long periods.

Crocidolite asbestos was commonly used in:

• Spray-applied insulation
• Cement products
• Pipe insulation
• Certain industrial materials

Although crocidolite asbestos was used less frequently than chrysotile, it is considered highly dangerous when disturbed.

Amosite asbestos, sometimes referred to as brown asbestos, was commonly used in insulation products and building materials that required strong heat resistance.

Amosite belongs to the amphibole group of asbestos minerals and has straight, brittle fibers.

Amosite asbestos was often found in:

• Pipe insulation
• Cement sheets
• Ceiling tiles
• Insulating boards
• Thermal insulation products

Because these materials can deteriorate over time, damaged insulation may release fibers into the air.

Learn more about when asbestos becomes dangerous if asbestos materials are disturbed.

Crocidolite asbestos, also known as blue asbestos, is considered one of the most hazardous types of asbestos due to its extremely thin fibers.

These fibers can easily become airborne and may remain suspended in the air for long periods.

Crocidolite asbestos was commonly used in:

• Spray-applied insulation
• Cement products
• Pipe insulation
• Certain industrial materials

Although crocidolite asbestos was used less frequently than chrysotile, it is considered highly dangerous when disturbed.

Different types of asbestos fibers behave differently when materials are damaged or disturbed. Some asbestos materials are considered friable, 

meaning they can easily crumble and release fibers into the air.

Others are non-friable, meaning the fibers are tightly bound within the material.

Regardless of the type of asbestos, disturbing asbestos-containing materials during renovation or demolition can release fibers into the air.

You can learn more about how to identify asbestos in common building materials.

Asbestos may be present in a wide range of building materials, particularly in structures built before the 1980s.

Common locations where asbestos may be found include:

• Floor tiles and adhesives
• Pipe insulation
• Popcorn ceiling texture
• Roofing materials
• Cement siding
• Ceiling tiles

If you suspect asbestos may be present in your home or building, professional inspection and testing is the safest way to determine the next steps.

HB Environmental Services provides asbestos inspection, testing, and abatement services throughout the St. Louis region.

Our team works with homeowners, contractors, and property managers to safely identify and remove asbestos-containing materials while following federal and Missouri regulations.