Chrysotile (white asbestos)
The most widely used type. Typically found in asbestos cement products, textured coatings and floor tiles.
The basics
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals. It was widely used in UK buildings until it was fully banned in 1999.
Why it matters
Asbestos was valued because it is strong, resists heat and insulates well, so it was mixed into a wide range of building products. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or worked on, they can release fibres that are too small to see. Breathing them in can cause serious lung diseases, usually many years later.
Asbestos that is in good condition and left undisturbed is not a risk in itself. The risk comes from releasing fibres, which is why HSE's advice centres on finding out where asbestos is, keeping it in good condition and making sure anyone who works on it takes the right precautions.
Types
The three main types used in the UK
All types can cause disease. Blue and brown asbestos are generally regarded as more hazardous, but white asbestos is dangerous too.
Amosite (brown asbestos)
Mostly used in asbestos insulating board and thermal insulation.
Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
Mostly used in sprayed coatings and pipe or boiler insulation.
The colour names are traditional labels. You can't tell the type, or whether asbestos is present, by looking. How testing works.
Asbestos in the UK: a short timeline
1950s to 1980s
Asbestos is used widely in UK buildings for insulation, fire protection and in building products.
1985
Import and use of blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite) asbestos are banned.
1999
White (chrysotile) asbestos is banned, ending new use of all types in the UK.
Today
Asbestos remains in many buildings built or refurbished before 2000. It is illegal to sell or supply anything containing asbestos.
If you suspect asbestos
- Leave it alone if it is in good condition and won't be disturbed.
- Don't drill, sand, cut or break it.
- Have it sampled, or arrange a survey before building work.
- Sprayed coatings, lagging and most asbestos insulating board need an HSE-licensed contractor.
Sources: HSE asbestos FAQs, HSE introduction to asbestos. Last reviewed September 2026.
More asbestos guidance
What is asbestos?Types of asbestos and where it was used in UK buildingsIdentifying asbestos and staying safeWhy you can't tell by looking, and what to do if something is damagedAsbestos health risksThe diseases asbestos can cause and when to speak to a doctorAsbestos surveysManagement and refurbishment and demolition surveys explainedTesting and samplingHow samples are taken and analysedProfessional removalLicensed and non-licensed work, and what to expect
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