What are the types of asbestos?
The two general types of asbestos are amphibole and chrysotile (fibrous serpentine). Chrysotile asbestos has long, flexible fibers. This type of asbestos is most commonly used in commercial products. Amphibole fibers are brittle, have a rod or needle shape, and are less common in commercial products. Although exposure to both types of asbestos increases the likelihood of developing asbestos-related diseases, amphibole fibers tend to stay in the lungs longer. They also are thought to increase the likelihood of illness, especially mesothelioma, to a greater extent than chrysotile asbestos. What is naturally occurring asbestos? Naturally occurring asbestos refers to those fibrous minerals that are found in the rocks or soil in an area and released into the air by: • routine human activities or • weathering processes. • If naturally occurring asbestos is not disturbed and fibers are not released into the air, then it is not a health risk. Asbestos is commonly found in ultramafic rock, including se
