The Three Types of Asbestos:

Asbestos, once widely used in construction due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties, is now recognised as a serious health hazard. At JS Environmental, we specialise in asbestos abatement and removal to protect you and your property from this dangerous material. But what exactly is asbestos, and why is it so dangerous? Let's break it down.

Asbestos is a term for a group of naturally occurring mineral fibres. There are six types, but three are most commonly found in buildings:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos): This is the most common type of asbestos. Its fibres are relatively flexible and were often used in insulation, roofing materials, and cement products.
• Amosite (brown asbestos): This type is brittle and has been widely used in insulation, cement, and textiles.
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos): Considered the most dangerous type, crocidolite is also brittle and has been used in asbestos cement, insulation, and textiles.

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

All types of asbestos are harmful when inhaled, but the risk varies. Asbestos fibres can become lodged in the lungs and cause serious health problems, including:

• Asbestosis: A lung disease that causes scarring and difficulty breathing.
• Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
• Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially when combined with smoking.

While chrysotile is generally considered less harmful than amosite and crocidolite, any exposure to asbestos can be dangerous. The risk of developing asbestos-related diseases depends on several factors, including:

• Length of exposure: The longer you are exposed to asbestos, the higher your risk.
• Concentration of asbestos fibres: The higher the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air, the greater the risk.

Type of asbestos: Crocidolite is generally considered the most dangerous.