What Colour is Asbestos?

Asbestos is commonly referred to by its colour, which is why many people assume you can determine whether asbestos is present via a visual inspection. However, there are many different types of asbestos and, confusingly, they are different colours.

Of the six types of asbestos, three were most frequently used industrially. These are chrysotile (white asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), and amosite (brown asbestos). In its natural form, asbestos has a slight colour, depending on exactly what type of asbestos it is.

Can You See Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in rock formations. In this state, asbestos can usually be seen, providing enough has formed for it to be visible. However, asbestos goes through various processes when it’s manufactured into usable formats. It might be mixed with cement and formed into pipes, for example.

Due to this, the colour of asbestos when it’s used commercially can vary. Loose fill chrysotile insulation has a large percentage of asbestos, for example, so it’s likely to be white in colour. This can make it relatively easy to identify. However, iF asbestos is mixed with cement or paper or fabric to create pipe insulation or insulation jackets, its colour may be lost or obstructed by other materials.

As a result, the presence of asbestos should never be determined by visual inspection alone. Instead, a small portion of suspected asbestos should be carefully removed and tested to confirm whether it is asbestos and, if so, what type.

What Type of Asbestos is Most Dangerous?

All types of asbestos are dangerous and carry a serious health risk. However, it’s generally believed that blue and brown asbestos is the most hazardous type of asbestos to be used commercially. This is because it consists of shorter, sharper fibres, which can cause more damage to the body and which are harder to expel from the lungs. However, white asbestos can still cause serious illnesses and fatalities, so it’s important that it’s always handled according to strict guidelines.

Can Asbestos Be Removed from Properties?

Although asbestos has been banned in the UK, it can be removed from commercial and residential properties. In order to have any type of asbestos removed from a property, you’ll need to hire licensed and qualified contractors. This will ensure that the asbestos can be extracted and disposed of safely, without posing a risk to anyone’s health or well-being.