Are you wondering “What are the different types of asbestos?” If so, keep reading. As one of the region’s most prominent asbestos removal specialists, we have become highly knowledgeable on this topic. ProDEM is on hand to assist if you need residential or commercial asbestos removal in Nottingham.
What exactly is asbestos and what are the main types?
A naturally occurring mineral from the silicate family, asbestos was a common building material until the late 20th century. However, it was then banned in the UK due to the dangers associated with it. Whilst in most cases, asbestos won’t harm you as long as its fibres aren’t disturbed, you may need it removed from your site.
Asbestos was such a common building material in the past due to its cost-efficiency, insulating properties and strength. The three types of asbestos that were most commonly in use in the UK were Crocidolite (blue), Amosite (brown) and Chrysolite (white).
Crocidolite
This type of asbestos often goes under the name of ‘blue asbestos’. It was officially banned in the UK back in 1985. Crocidolite was the most hazardous type of asbestos in commercial use. It has short, spiky fibres, which could puncture lung lining. As they are so spikey, the fibres are tough to breathe out after inhalation.
Crocidolite belongs to a group of minerals known as Amphiboles. Other members of this group include Amosite, Tremolite, Anthophyllite and Actinolite. The last three of these were in use much less regularly. Crocidolite was often used on ships and as sprayed-on insulation, thermal insulation and loose-fill insulation.
Amosite
Amosite asbestos is also known as ‘brown asbestos’. This was banned from being imported into the UK in 1980. This is the most common type of Amphibole asbestos. The fibres are coarser and stronger than Chrysolite fibres. Amosite was often used in asbestos insulation boards and was sometimes mixed with Chrysolite.
Chrysotile
Chrysotile is the most common kind of asbestos around the world. It belongs to the Serpentine group of minerals and has small curly fibres. It’s possible to breathe out Chrysolite fibres more easily. This is because it’s less likely that they will become lodged in our lungs or in any other part of our respiratory system.
Around 90% of the asbestos found in building materials is Chrysolite. Some people call this kind of asbestos ‘white asbestos’. This was the last type of asbestos to be banned in the United Kingdom in 1999. This type of asbestos is still in use in some countries around the world in spite of the health risks associated with it.
What are the most common types of asbestos materials?
Asbestos is often found in loose-fill insulation in lofts, floor voids and in partition walls. Sprayed coatings, pipe lagging, insulating board, ropes, cloths, yarns, paper, flooring materials like thermoplastic tiles and sheet vinyl, textured coatings and paints, mastic, sealants, putties and reinforced plastics can contain asbestos.
What kinds of illnesses can asbestos fibres cause?
Asbestos has links to a large number of serious and sometimes fatal illnesses. As well as causing Mesothelioma, which is a cancer that affects the lung lining, it can also affect the lining around the lower digestive tract (peritoneum) and can cause asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis. This is a serious lung scarring condition. Asbestos can also cause pleural thickening.
What to do if you suspect you have asbestos materials in your home or business premises
If you do think you have asbestos in your home or on your business premises and need it removed, the best step to take is to consult asbestos removal specialists. Although some people think about removing asbestos-containing materials themselves, this can be very dangerous. If the fibres of asbestos become airborne after disturbance, there’s a big chance you or someone else could inhale them. You will normally need to arrange a survey to confirm the presence of asbestos before removal.
Who can help when I need residential or commercial asbestos removal in Nottingham?
Now you know the answer to the query “What are the different types of asbestos”, you may be wondering who can help with residential or commercial asbestos removal. Thankfully, assistance is available. At ProDEM, we have many years of experience when it comes to removing asbestos safely and effectively. We are proud to be market-leading asbestos removal contractors in Nottingham. We have a wide range of clients, including homeowners, small businesses and big-name brands.
Is my building likely to contain asbestos?
If the building you are in was built before 1999, there’s a strong chance asbestos might be in your walls, ceilings, roofs or floors. For safety reasons, it’s very important that asbestos removal specialists carry out this work instead of you doing it yourself. We can carry out a survey which will identify any asbestos on your property.
You can count on ProDEM to remove this toxic material from your site safely and with a minimum of fuss. We can help whether you’re making changes to a building, demolishing it or simply want to remove asbestos from your property. You can also relax in the knowledge that we will dispose of the asbestos safely, in complete compliance with the law.
Contact us
Now is the time to get in touch if you have been wondering “What are the different types of asbestos?” and need a removal service. We can provide everything that you need from asbestos removal contractors in Nottingham. You can connect with us today by calling us on 0115 775 0307 or by completing the form on our site. We will get back to you as quickly as we possibly can with the answers to your questions and queries.