You can't identify it by looking at it.
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicates with properties that made them useful for insulation and as binding materials in buildings. Left alone it sits there inertly. When it's damaged or disturbed, the fibres become airborne and can be inhaled — which is the entire risk. We test materials in your home to determine whether they contain asbestos, so you know before anyone cuts, drills or removes anything.
The ones most commonly encountered are Chrysotile, Amosite and Crocidolite. The remaining three turn up rarely, and often as contaminants rather than as deliberate ingredients.
Chrysotile
White AsbestosThe most commonly used type of asbestos. It has strong heat-resistant properties and can be found in the roofs, floors, walls and ceilings of buildings. It is also used in cars, for brake lines and gaskets.
Amosite
Brown AsbestosThe second most commonly used type of asbestos. It can be found in thermal insulation products, insulation boards, cement and pipe insulation. Like chrysotile, it is also used in gaskets.
Crocidolite
Blue AsbestosLess heat-resistant than chrysotile. When damaged its fibres are extremely thin, leading to more lung damage than any other asbestos type. Used to insulate steam engines, and in spray-on coatings, plastic and cement products.
Anthophyllite
Rare · Grey / Green / WhiteA rare type of asbestos. Anthophyllite was not widely used in products, and may have a grey, dull green or white colour. It can be found in insulation products and construction materials.
Tremolite
ContaminantNot commonly used in products, and known for strong heat-resistant properties. While it may not be used commercially, it can be found as a contaminant of chrysotile asbestos.
Actinolite
Amphibole · GreenishAn amphibole asbestos known for its greenish colour. Its thin, fibrous structure is easily inhaled, and when damaged its fibres can cause significant lung damage including lung cancer and asbestosis. Proper handling of materials containing it is essential.
Because of the age of many homes and the materials used to build them, asbestos can be concealed in places nobody looks at until a renovation opens them up.
Due to the age of many homes, asbestos may be present in the walls and ceilings. Checking these concealed spaces is an important step when assessing the risk of exposure.
Due to the construction materials used in older homes, asbestos may be present beneath floor coverings or in subfloor layers. Inspecting the flooring is an important step when evaluating possible risks.
Because older roofing and siding materials often contained asbestos, it may be concealed in those areas. Inspecting roofing and siding is an important precaution when assessing potential presence.
Pipes and boilers in older buildings were often insulated with asbestos-containing materials, so fibres may be hidden beneath insulation or lagging. Careful inspection here matters.
AIB = Asbestos Insulating Board
The mechanism is physical rather than chemical — and it is why exposure is measured over years rather than moments.
When asbestos is disturbed or damaged it releases fibres that are easily inhaled. Once inhaled, asbestos has harmful effects on the human body: it can leave scars in the lung tissues. Being exposed over an extended period can lead to lung cancer, disabilities and even death.
On Inhalation
THE MECHANISMAsbestos fibres are small enough to travel deep into lung tissue and durable enough that the body cannot break them down or clear them out. They stay. The tissue reacts around them, and that reaction is what leaves scarring in the lungs. Crocidolite is singled out precisely because its fibres are the thinnest — they penetrate furthest.
Long-Term Exposure
CUMULATIVEBecause the fibres accumulate rather than clear, the risk is a function of total exposure over time. Extended exposure is associated with asbestosis, lung cancer, disabilities and death. There is no symptom that tells you it is happening early, which is the argument for testing the material rather than waiting on the body.
Testing identifies whether a specific material contains asbestos. It is scoped by area, so it helps to know what you're most concerned about.
NextDay Inspect offers asbestos testing as an add-on to home inspection services. Our team documents all findings for transparency and accuracy, so you have a written record of exactly what was sampled and what came back.
Reviewing the environmental sample report examples will show you how results are presented before you book. For a wider picture of what else can be assessed at the same visit, see our environmental services overview.
One primary area of concern is tested for asbestos, with an additional charge for each area beyond that. If you suspect more than one material — say pipe lagging and floor tiles — tell us up front and we'll price the full scope before the visit rather than after it.
If you're planning work on an older property, find out what the material is first. See the format your results arrive in, then book your testing.
