Asbestos is the term used to describe a naturally occurring group of related silicate minerals. They are divided into two main groups, amphibole asbestos, and serpentine asbestos.

Amphibole asbestos types feature straight, needle-like fibers, while serpentine asbestos variants have curly fibers. Asbestos fibers are microscopic yet are highly resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. Because of these properties, asbestos was once used prolifically in a wide range of manufacturing applications.

Asbestos appearance in its raw state varies between types. Colors range from white, brown, blue, dull green, gray, and even transparent. The degree to which they appear fibrous can also vary depending on the type of asbestos.

Most applications of asbestos involve processing and combining with other materials, making it much harder to identify. 

Identifying asbestos 

Many thousands of products contain asbestos, ranging from antique irons, Zippo lighter wicks, and fake vintage snow to a wide range of construction materials.

While one article cannot begin to cover the extent of asbestos-containing products and how to spot them, there are some key materials to watch out for when it comes to construction. 

Here is a list of some of the most common asbestos-containing building and construction materials, and how to identify them. 

Loose-fill asbestos insulation

Loose-fill insulation can be found in ceilings, lofts, and floor cavities, in both industrial and residential buildings. 

This form of asbestos insulation is loose and fluffy in appearance, typically whitish or blue-gray in color.

Alternatively, another common loose-fill asbestos insulation – vermiculite – is made from tremolite, which has a pebble-like appearance and is usually silvery-gold or brownish-gray.

The asbestos content in loose-fill insulations is often 100%. The potential for asbestos fiber release from loose-fill asbestos insulation is high.

Asbestos Thermal Insulation

The asbestos content in thermal insulations can vary significantly (6%-85%), with a variety of asbestos types used in its manufacture. It also comes in a range of colors, sometimes depending on which type of asbestos has been predominantly used. 

The most common types of asbestos found in insulation are chrysotile (white), crocidolite (blue), and amosite (brown), although the product is often either white, gray, brown, or pink. Asbestos insulation is also known as thermal insulation, sectional, pipe lagging, and caposite. Its visual density is low, with a soft appearance.

The potential for asbestos fiber release from asbestos thermal insulation is high. 

Asbestos sprayed insulation

Also known as coating or limpet, asbestos sprayed insulation can contain between 50%-85% asbestos. The asbestos used is typically either chrysotile (white), crocidolite (blue), or amosite (brown). The main colors of asbestos-containing insulation spray are white, grey, brown, and pink.

The potential for asbestos fiber release from asbestos sprayed insulation is high. 

Asbestos paper

Also known as lining, cardboard, or backing, asbestos paper is typically made from 100% asbestos, typically chrysotile. Chrysotile is white, although the paper can be finished with a light brown appearance.

The potential for asbestos fiber release from asbestos paper is medium.

Asbestos boards

The asbestos content in these boards can vary (15-25%), as can the type of asbestos used, although amosite (brown) is the most common. Otherwise known as insulating board and Asbestolux, these boards are a medium density and typically light or dark gray, although the colors vary, including pink. These boards are often painted, however, making them harder to detect. 

The potential for asbestos fiber release from asbestos boards is generally low. However, if the boards are degraded or cracking, they can more easily release tiny asbestos fibers into the air.

Asbestos cement

With many differing finishes and product usages, it can be hard to differentiate asbestos cement from regular cement. The main type of asbestos used is chrysotile, and the cement typically appears light or dark gray in color. The asbestos content in asbestos cement is usually between 10% and 25%. 

The potential for asbestos fiber release from asbestos cement is low. However, over time the cement can degrade, crack or break down – if that happens, the cement can release dust into the air, and the dust may contain harmful asbestos fibers.

Asbestos vinyl

Otherwise known as thermoplastic, floor tile, or simply ‘vinyl,’ asbestos vinyl typically contains between 2%-20% asbestos, which is usually chrysotile (white). This product can come in a wide variety of colors. 

The potential for asbestos fiber release from asbestos vinyl is generally low. But cracked or broken vinyl can release harmful asbestos fibers, and care should also be taken when removing or replacing vinyl with asbestos.

Asbestos decorative coating

Otherwise known as textured coatings, pebble coat, artex, or popcorn ceiling, coatings that contain asbestos usually look like any other textured paint finish. They typically have a relatively low asbestos content of below 5%, with chrysotile (white) asbestos being the main type used.

The potential for asbestos fiber release from asbestos decorative coatings is low. 

Asbestos resin

Otherwise known as plastic, bakelite, or resin, asbestos resin is typically black and is very similar to hard plastic in appearance. The primary types of asbestos used are amosite (brown) and chrysotile (white), with content ranging from 1%-10%. 

The potential for asbestos fiber release from asbestos resin is low. 

Asbestos gaskets and washers

Otherwise known as Compressed Asbestos Fiber (CAF), washers, or gaskets, these products come in a variety of finishes and colors, including red, pink and green. The primary asbestos used in asbestos gaskets and washers is chrysotile. The asbestos content in these gaskets and washers can be as much as 90%.

The potential for asbestos fiber release from asbestos gaskets and washers is low. 

Asbestos textiles

Otherwise known as rope, yarn, gasket, blanket, cloth, or string, asbestos textiles can contain almost 100% asbestos, primarily chrysotile. The textiles are usually white.

The potential for asbestos fiber release from asbestos textiles is medium, but if the textile frays or tears, it can release harmful asbestos fibers into the air. 

Consult with an expert

While it may be helpful to have some first-hand knowledge of what to look for in identifying the presence of asbestos, don’t take any unnecessary risks. Consult with experts in determining whether asbestos is present and, if necessary, to arrange its removal. Safety is always paramount when dealing with asbestos. 

!

If you may have been exposed to asbestos, speak with your healthcare provider about tests and screening to help detect the presence of asbestos fibers and asbestos-related damage.

AsbestosClaims.Law

AsbestosClaims.law is your comprehensive resource for all things asbestos. We hope this information is helpful.

If you have any additional questions or concerns related to asbestos, check out our website and YouTube page for videos, infographics and answers to your questions about asbestos, including health and safety, asbestos testing, removing asbestos from your home and building, and legal information about compensation for asbestos injuries.

And if you believe that you were exposed to asbestos, or have been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, you could be entitled to significant compensation—money you could use to cover the costs of asbestos removal services, pay for medical treatment, and preemptively protect your physical well-being. 

All without filing a lawsuit.

If you’d like help with filing a claim, please get in touch by email at [email protected], or call or text us at (833) 4-ASBESTOS (427-2378) or (206) 455-9190. We’ll listen to your story and explain your options. And we never charge for anything unless you receive money in your pocket.