If you’ve ever looked into asbestos – whether out of curiosity, for home safety, or work reasons – you’ve probably seen how often it comes up in older buildings. It was used in all sorts of materials because of how strong, fire-resistant, and long-lasting it was. But what many people don’t realise is that there isn’t just one type of asbestos – there are several.
That matters because each type behaves slightly differently. Some break down more easily, some are more dangerous when disturbed, and some were used more often in certain materials. If you’re trying to spot asbestos, understand the risks, or deal with removal, knowing the differences can help you a lot.
Let’s go over the three main types of asbestos – the ones you’re most likely to come across in homes, schools, and workplaces.
Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
Chrysotile is the most common type of asbestos. In fact, when people talk about asbestos in buildings, it’s usually this one they mean.
You’ll find chrysotile in:
- Roof sheets and tiles
- Pipe insulation
- Ceiling coatings
- Wall boards
- Brake pads and gaskets
- Fire blankets
It’s part of the serpentine group, which means its fibres are curly rather than needle-like. These soft fibres made it easier to work with, which is why manufacturers used it so widely. In the UK, white asbestos was used well into the 1990s – even after we started realising how dangerous it was.
At first glance, it might seem like chrysotile’s flexible nature would make it less harmful. But don’t let that fool you. When these fibres break apart and float in the air, they can be just as deadly as the others – especially if they’re breathed in regularly.
Once those fibres are in your lungs, they don’t come out easily. Over time, they can cause:
- Mesothelioma (a rare, aggressive cancer)
- Asbestosis (a type of scarring in the lungs)
- Lung cancer
Even though it was banned in the UK in 1999, chrysotile is still found in older buildings, including homes, schools, hospitals, and factories. If you’re doing any kind of renovation or demolition in a building built before 2000, there’s a good chance white asbestos might be there somewhere.
Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
Next up is amosite, also called brown asbestos. You’ll mostly find it in insulation boards, ceiling tiles, and pipe lagging. It was widely used across construction and engineering jobs, especially in the mid-20th century.
Amosite belongs to the amphibole group – these types have straight, sharp fibres, which are more rigid and needle-like. That makes them much more dangerous when disturbed. These tiny, sharp fibres can stay airborne for a long time and go deep into the lungs when breathed in.
You might come across amosite in:
- Asbestos insulating boards (AIB)
- Ceiling tiles
- Thermal insulation
- Fire doors
- Cement sheeting
- Roofing felt
Because of its structure, amosite doesn’t just float in the air – it clings to surfaces, clothes, and even your skin. That increases the risk of exposure, especially for people who work in or around these materials without proper protection.
Compared to chrysotile, amosite is more hazardous – especially when it breaks down or gets disturbed during DIY, drilling, sanding, or renovation work. Once in the lungs, those fibres don’t break down easily, and the risk of cancer and other respiratory conditions increases significantly.
It was banned in the UK in the early 1980s, but like white asbestos, it’s still found in buildings today. Many homes, schools, and office blocks built before then may still contain materials with amosite.
Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, is the most dangerous of the three. Its fibres are very thin and sharp – much thinner than the others – which makes them easier to breathe in and harder for your body to clear out. Once inhaled, they lodge deep in the lungs and stay there.
This type of asbestos was mostly used in high-temperature environments or where chemical resistance was needed. You’d find it in:
- Steam engine insulation
- Spray-on coatings
- High-pressure pipe lagging
- Asbestos cement products
- Plastics and rubber
Crocidolite’s fibres are extremely fragile, and when disturbed, they break into fine dust. Even low-level exposure has been linked to severe illness – which is why blue asbestos is often linked to high rates of mesothelioma.
It was banned earlier than the others – the UK put a stop to its use in the 1970s – but many of the buildings and industrial sites where it was used are still standing. And unless someone has carried out a proper asbestos survey and safe removal, those fibres could still be there, waiting to get disturbed.
Why Does It Matter Which Type of Asbestos You’re Dealing With?
When you’re looking at an old ceiling tile or insulation board, you can’t always tell what type of asbestos is inside – it’s often hidden within the material. But knowing the differences between the types gives you a better idea of what you’re facing.
Here’s why it matters:
- Health risks vary: All types are dangerous, but some (like crocidolite) are worse than others. The thinner and sharper the fibres, the more harmful they can be.
- They behave differently: Some break down more easily or release fibres faster. That affects how you handle them during removal or repair work.
- They were used in different materials: Recognising what type was commonly used in what product helps identify risks faster.
If you’re unsure about a material, it’s always better to get it tested by professionals before touching or disturbing it.
Are There Other Types of Asbestos?
Yes, technically there are six types of asbestos, but the three above – chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite – were the ones most used in buildings and products. The other three are:
- Tremolite
- Actinolite
- Anthophyllite
These types weren’t used commercially as often, but they sometimes turned up as contaminants in other materials – like talc or vermiculite. You’re less likely to find them in buildings, but they’re still dangerous when inhaled.
What Should You Do If You Think You’ve Found Asbestos?
If you’re working on an older property or planning a renovation and you spot something that looks suspicious, don’t touch it. Asbestos is most dangerous when disturbed – that’s when the fibres become airborne.
Here’s what you should do:
- Leave the area alone and stop any work
- Don’t try to remove or test the material yourself
- Contact a licensed asbestos surveyor or removal specialist
- If you rent, speak to your landlord or building manager
In the UK, any building built before 2000 could contain asbestos. That includes schools, hospitals, council housing, and even some newer homes that used leftover stock.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos isn’t one single thing – it’s a group of materials, each with different properties. The three main types – chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite – were used for different reasons and in different products. But they all have one thing in common: they’re dangerous when disturbed and should be treated with care.
Understanding the types of asbestos helps you spot potential risks and take the right steps to stay safe. Whether you’re a homeowner, a tenant, a tradesperson, or just curious, knowing what you’re dealing with makes a big difference.
Always assume materials might contain asbestos until a proper test proves otherwise. And when in doubt, call in the professionals.