How Many Common Types of Asbestos Are There?

You might have heard the word ‘asbestos’ before. Perhaps you saw it on the news or heard it mentioned during home repairs. A common question is: How many common types of asbestos are there?, as it shaped much of the UK’s building history. It was strong, cheap, and heat-resistant, so it was used widely until the late 1990s.

Because of this, UKHSA now advises people to presume asbestos may still be present in any building built before 2000. And the numbers show why. In 2023, Great Britain recorded 2,218 mesothelioma deaths, showing the real danger of disturbing asbestos.

To answer the question fully, we need to look at the minerals themselves, the complete list of regulated forms, and where they appear in older UK buildings. As a result, knowing the facts becomes essential. It helps you stay safe around pre-2000 structures. Now, let’s explore exactly what this material is.

How Many Common Types of Asbestos Are There?

You probably have a lot of questions. Specifically, how many types of asbestos are widely used there? Knowing the answer could actually keep you safe. Know the headline answer for the UK. In the UK, you will encounter three primary forms. These common commercial forms are distinct and recognisable.

First, there is chrysotile, which is white. Second, you have amosite, which is brown. Third, there is crocidolite, which is blue. These were the principal types used in construction. Companies put them in products before the bans. Builders chose them because they were powerful. Additionally, they were cheap and resisted heat well.

However, their colours are not always obvious. You cannot always see the white or blue fibres. Often, they are mixed into other materials. Therefore, you cannot identify them just by looking. Lab tests are the only sure way. Still, knowing these three names is a good start.

What Exactly Is Asbestos? 

Let’s break down the science for a moment. Define it precisely to understand the risk. Asbestos is a group of naturally formed minerals. Specifically, they are fibrous silicate minerals. They come from rock formations underground.

Scientists divide them into two main subgroups. The first group is called serpentine. This group contains chrysotile asbestos. The fibres are curly and flexible. The second group is called amphiboles. This group includes amosite and crocidolite. It also provides tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite.

Amphibole fibres are different from serpentine fibres. These fibres are straighter and more brittle. Imagine sharp needles versus curly hair. Because of this shape, they are dangerous. Generally, they are more hazardous than chrysotile. If you breathe them in, they stick easily. They lodge deep inside the human lungs. Therefore, understanding the shape helps explain the danger.

How Many Types of Asbestos Exist in Total? 

We discussed the common ones, but there are more. So, how many regular types of asbestos are there really? State the full list for complete accuracy. There are actually six regulated types in total.

Here is the complete list of types:

• Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
• Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
• Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
• Tremolite
• Actinolite
• Anthophyllite

This list covers every regulated type. All six are carcinogenic to humans. This puts them in IARC Group 1. That means scientists know they definitely cause cancer. There is no doubt about their danger. Consequently, the law treats them all strictly.

While some were used more, all are risky. You might not see the last three often. However, they are still chemically similar to asbestos. Therefore, they carry the same severe health warnings. It is important to remember the complete list.

What Are the Three Most Common Types of Asbestos?

Now, let’s focus on the big three. Clarify “common” in the context of the UK. The UK construction industry most often uses three specific types. These are white (chrysotile), brown (amosite), and blue (crocidolite).

Builders loved these materials for many decades. They stopped the fire from spreading between rooms. They also kept the heat inside the buildings. However, the danger became too great to ignore. Consequently, the government had to take action.

Blue and brown asbestos were banned first. This ban happened way back in 1985. However, white asbestos remained legal for longer. Eventually, a full UK ban came in 1999. This ban included white asbestos as well. Now, builders no longer use asbestos. Yet, the old materials remain in place. That is why we must still be careful. The legacy of these three types surrounds us.

Where Is White Asbestos (Chrysotile) Found? 

Let’s look at where these things hide. Please place it in the context of your daily life. Chrysotile is the most common type you’ll find. It appeared in the widest range of products. Typically, it is found in asbestos cement sheets. You might see these on old garage roofs.

Furthermore, it was used in cement pipes. It was also common in water tanks. Roofing products often contained this white mineral. Additionally, look down at the floor. Vinyl floor tiles often contained white asbestos. The paper backing on the flooring did too.

Also, consider the walls and ceilings. Historically, gaskets and brake linings contained it. Textured decorative coatings are another hiding place. You might know this bumpy style as Artex. It is very common in pre-2000 buildings. If you see a bumpy ceiling, be careful. It might contain white asbestos fibres. Therefore, never scrape or sand old textured ceilings.

Where Is Brown Asbestos (Amosite) Found?

Next, we should look for the brown type. Be specific about where this usually hides. Amosite was very popular for insulating buildings. It is often found in asbestos insulating board. This is also known as AIB.

Builders used AIB for fire protection. It was great at stopping flames. You might find it in partition walls. It was also used for ceiling tiles. Sometimes, it hides in cupboard linings.

Other thermal insulation products use it too. Acoustic insulation products also contained amosite. It stopped the noise from travelling between rooms. This usage was common in mid-20th-century UK buildings. Consequently, schools and offices often contain it. If you see a broken ceiling tile, stay away. It could release brown fibres into the air. These fibres are sharp and very harmful. Therefore, brown asbestos is a major safety concern.

Where Is Blue Asbestos (Crocidolite) Found?

Now we must discuss the blue variety. Focus on high-risk uses for this mineral. Crocidolite is considered the most dangerous type. Historically, it was used in sprayed insulation. It was also used in sprayed coatings.

Additionally, you might find it lagging. Lagging is the wrapping around old pipes. It kept the water hot inside the pipes. Also, it was used in high-pressure applications. This is because it is extremely strong.

However, it is also very brittle. This means it breaks into dust easily. Sprayed mixes frequently contained amosite and crocidolite. They were mixed at high fibre percentages. This makes the material very dusty. If you disturb it, clouds of dust appear. That dust is full of deadly needles. Therefore, blue asbestos is treated with extreme caution. You should never touch old pipe insulation.

Are the Other Asbestos Types Still a Concern?

We mentioned six types but discussed three. How many common types of asbestos are known to cause concern? Are the rare ones still a problem? Yes, they certainly are still a concern.  

Tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite were less common. They were not typically sold on their own. However, they can occur as contaminants. For example, they appear in industrial talc. They can also be found in vermiculite. Vermiculite was a type of loose insulation.

Therefore, they might be in your attic or storage space. Even if not bought intentionally, they appear. You must treat them with the same caution. Treat them like any other ACMs. The lungs do not care about the name. They only react to the sharp fibre. Consequently, rare does not mean safe. All types require professional handling and disposal. Never assume a mineral is safe to touch.

Why Are All Types of Asbestos Dangerous?

We have talked a lot about where it is. But why should you strictly avoid it? Make the health point clear and memorable. All forms can cause cancer in humans. This includes a cancer called mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs. It can also affect the tummy lining. Additionally, asbestos causes lung, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers. Sadly, there is no known safe exposure threshold. This means even small amounts can hurt you.

Therefore, exposure must be kept low. It should be as low as reasonably practicable. Amphiboles tend to persist longer in the lungs. Your body cannot easily get rid of them. This raises the mesothelioma risk significantly. However, white asbestos is also dangerous. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Your health is too important to risk.

Where Might Asbestos Still Be Found Today?

You might think this is all history. However, it is very much a current problem. Give a practical rule for your safety. Presume ACMs are in any UK building. Specifically, any building built before the year 2000.

This includes your school and your home. It contains shops, libraries, and hospitals. Besides, it hides in pipe lagging and AIB. Also, in cement sheets and roof panels. Look out for textured coatings and floor tiles. 

You cannot tell just by looking. Therefore, wait for a competent survey. Only a survey proves otherwise. Until then, assume the material is dangerous. Do not drill into walls in old houses. Do not scrape off old floor tiles. If you plan to decorate, check the date. If the home is old, ask for advice. Better to be safe than very sorry.

Final Thoughts on the Common Types of Asbestos

To wrap up, the answer to ‘How many common types of asbestos are there?’ is clear. The three most common types in the UK are white, brown, and blue. Yet, there are six regulated types in total, and all of them are dangerous. Because asbestos remains in so many pre-2000 buildings, safe handling is essential.

Whenever you are unsure, do not disturb the material. Instead, follow UK guidance and arrange a competent asbestos survey. That way, you protect yourself and everyone around you.

FAQs on How Many Common Types of Asbestos Are There

How many common types of asbestos were there?

There were six recognised types, but only three were widely used.

What is the most common asbestos in the UK?

Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, was the most common

What are the 4 types of asbestos?

There are six in total, but four often mentioned are chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, and tremolite.

What is type 3 asbestos?

People sometimes use “Type 3” to refer to chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite—the three main commercial types.

How many common types of asbestos were available: 2, 3, 5, 6?

Six exist, but three were commonly used in UK buildings.

What is the least common type of asbestos?

Actinolite and anthophyllite are the least common.

What are the three main types of asbestos?

Chrysotile (white), amosite (brown), and crocidolite (blue).

What are the three main asbestos diseases?

Mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Which three of the following types of asbestos were commonly used within the UK?

Chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite.

How common is asbestos?

Any UK building built before 2000 may contain it.

How many types of asbestos have a colour?

There are three colours: white, brown, and blue.

What are common asbestos uses?

Insulation, ceiling tiles, pipe lagging, roofing sheets, cement boards, and textured coatings.