Asbestos has been exposed as having a major effect on the health of those who come into contact with it. The problem is that there are so many ways in which the material has been used over the years. It has been used in several different industrial applications as well as many home based applications. Everything from the insulation in buildings to the talcum powder used to relieve itching on the back of the neck has used these strong and durable fibers.

It is a good idea to get to know as much as possible about asbestos. The more you know, the better your chances are of not becoming ill from coming into contact with it. Even though these are naturally occurring materials, it is unlikely you will encounter them. All the same, it is a good idea to know what you are dealing with and what the chances are that you will come into contact with the different kinds of asbestos.

There are six different kinds of asbestos fibers. There are two main groups which the asbestos fibers are split up into. Of the two different groups, there are serpentine and amphibole fibers. Chrysotile asbestos is the only kind which falls into the serpentine group. Tremolite, actinolite, anthophyllite, amosite, and crocidolite are the other five asbestos fibers which belong to the amphibole group. The difference between the two is the way the fibers themselves look. The serpentine group is characterized by curling fibers while the amphibole group includes long, chain-like structures.

Chrysotile

Also known as white asbestos, there are a few different ways in which Chrysotile is unique. It is the only asbestos with curly fibers instead of straight ones. It is valued because of its unique characteristics and because of its strength. It comprises over 95% of all the asbestos which is used in the American industrial set. They also count for the majority of the illnesses in the world associated with asbestos.

Amosite

Also known as brown asbestos, Amosite is the second most used kind of asbestos in the world. The short brown fibers have been treasured for their use in insulating buildings. In most developed countries, the use of the material for public planning has been outlawed.

Anthophyllite

This is a type of asbestos which does not have much use in an industrial sense. The short, brittle fibers do not make it a very good addition to any kind of construction. They still do surface in many different applications like potting soil.

Actinolite

This asbestos also has not very many uses in the industrial world. While these fibers have a very dire effect on those who come into contact with it, there are some non-fibrous versions which are completely fine to use.

Crocidolite

Also known as blue asbestos, this asbestos is one of the most lethal of all the different kinds of asbestos. The straight blue fibers are not even used to this date.

Tremolite

This is a commonly found asbestos and can be with creamy white to milky green in color. While it is used in some industrial applications, it is better known for its ability to contaminate different products which use it.