According to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), there are six minerals with varieties that can be classified as asbestos. These substances belong to the amphibole and serpentine mineral families. The six forms of asbestos are:
- Amosite – Known as “brown asbestos,” this type has needle-like fibers, and originated mostly in Africa. Amosite was frequently used in pipe insulation, cement sheet, ceiling tiles, and thermal insulation products.
- Chrysotile – The most common form of asbestos; can be found in roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors of homes and businesses even today. Also used in auto brake linings, boiler seals, pipe insulation, gaskets, etc. Research indicates that it takes more exposure to chrysotile to cause disease when compared to other types of asbestos.
- Crocidolite – Known as “blue asbestos,” crocidolite has superior heat resistance. It was mined mostly in South Africa, Australia, and Bolivia, and is considered the most dangerous type of asbestos. In the past, it was used to insulate steam engines, and was found in certain spray-on coatings, cement products, and pipe insulation.
- Tremolite – Not used commercially, but can sometimes be found as a contaminant in certain asbestos-containing insulation products, including paints, sealants, and roofing materials.
- Actinolite – The least flexible form of asbestos, with a harsh texture. Not used commercially, but is sometimes found as a contaminant in asbestos-containing products. Commonly found in metamorphic rock.
- Anthophyllite – Primarily mined in Finland, with a gray-brown color. Not commercially used, but can be found as a contaminant, especially in composite flooring made with asbestos.
The TSCA granted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permission to regulate these six forms of asbestos in 1976; since then, they have been banned in 52 countries.
If you or one of your loved ones has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, please contact The Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP today or call (410) 625-9330 to schedule a free case evaluation with our experienced Maryland asbestos attorney. We can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
