Types of Asbestos

Asbestos has been incorporated into many materials over the last century. There are three common types of asbestos:

Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
Amosite (brown asbestos)
Chrysotile (white asbestos)

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The History & Use of Asbestos

The commercial use of asbestos in the UK began around the end of the 1890’s and increased gradually. Immediately after World War II, large quantities of asbestos were used, particularly for new ‘system-built’ buildings in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. Asbestos Containing Materials were also routinely used in the refurbishment of older buildings.

Asbestos has been the subject of gradual voluntary and formal bans since 1969, for example:

The use of crocidolite (blue asbestos) was banned in 1985 and is typically found in products such as sprayed coatings, pipe insulation and cement based products.
The use of amosite (brown asbestos) was also banned in 1985 and is typically found in asbestos insulating board (AIB).
The use of chrysotile (white asbestos) wasn’t banned until 1999 and is typically found in cement based products, artex and floor tiles. Chrysotile can also be found in asbestos insulation and asbestos insulating board (AIB)

By 1999 the importation, supply and use of all forms of Asbestos Containing Materials had been banned, with the exception of a few specialised applications.

NOTE* these dates are only provided as a guideline, as asbestos held in stock may have been used after these dates.