Asbestos is a naturally forming mineral, which has been commercially mined for its useful properties, namely:

• Resistance to chemicals 
• Low thermal conductivity 
• Flexibility 
• High tensile strength

Asbestos was seen as a miracle fibre which could be bonded into various building materials and woven into textiles. It still remains one of the most effective forms of fire protection known and in many cases asbestos materials remain in good condition for many decades. 

It is estimated that five million tonnes of asbestos were imported into the United Kingdom mainly from Canada and South Africa, the following are the common forms used within the construction and refurbishment of buildings: 

Chrystolite: 

Often known as ‘white’ asbestos, this product was the most commonly used within asbestos cement products and other various materials and papers.

Amosite:

Referred to as ‘brown’ asbestos, typical applications were pipe lagging and Asbestos Insulation Board. (AIB)

Crocidolite:

Known as ‘Blue’ asbestos, commonly used as sprayed insulation, Crocidolite is seen as one of the most deadly forms of asbestos.

Anthophylite, Tremolite, Actinolite: 

These forms are quite rare and only very occasionally found in the UK.