Australia has a long history with asbestos. Although all forms of asbestos were banned nationally in 2003, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) remain present in millions of Australian homes, commercial buildings and industrial workplaces constructed before 2004.
Asbestos was widely used due to its strength, durability and fire-resistant properties. As a result, workers, tradespeople and property owners continue to encounter asbestos during maintenance, renovation and demolition activities.
Understanding the different types of asbestos in Australia is important for workplace safety, regulatory compliance and effective risk management. While all asbestos types are hazardous when disturbed, some are associated with higher health risks than others. Knowing the difference between crocidolite, amosite and chrysotile can help workers better understand the materials they may encounter and when specialist advice or licensed removal is required.
This guide explains the main asbestos types found in Australia, where they were commonly used and what workers need to know when they encounter suspect asbestos-containing materials.
For workers who may come into contact with ACMs, undertaking asbestos awareness training is an important step towards recognising hazards and working safely around asbestos.
Why there are different types of asbestos and why it matters
The term asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals that form microscopic fibres. These fibres were mined and processed for use in building materials, insulation products and industrial applications throughout much of the twentieth century.
There are six recognised asbestos minerals worldwide, but three types of asbestos account for the vast majority of asbestos historically used in Australia:
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
- Amosite (brown asbestos)
- Chrysotile (white asbestos)
These minerals are grouped into two fibre families:
- Amphibole asbestos includes crocidolite and amosite. These fibres are straight, brittle and needle-like.
- Serpentine asbestos includes chrysotile. These fibres are curly and flexible.
The colour descriptions of blue asbestos, brown asbestos and white asbestos are common historical names only. They should not be relied upon for asbestos identification, as colour and appearance can change significantly over time due to weathering, coatings, paint and manufacturing processes.
Although asbestos was banned throughout Australia by 2003, asbestos-containing materials remain common in buildings constructed before 2004. Under WHS Regulations, workplaces must identify and manage asbestos risks where asbestos-containing material is present. This may include maintaining an asbestos register, conducting risk assessments and implementing appropriate control measures.
Under the WHS Regulations and the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace, duty holders must identify asbestos-containing materials before work begins and implement controls to eliminate or minimise exposure.
Understanding the type and condition of asbestos can also influence how materials are managed and whether licensed removal is required. For more information on workplace responsibilities, see our guide to asbestos and duty of care legislation and learn whether your workplace requires an asbestos register.
Crocidolite (blue asbestos): The most dangerous type
Crocidolite, commonly known as blue asbestos, is widely regarded as the most hazardous form of asbestos.
As a member of the amphibole asbestos family, crocidolite produces extremely fine fibres that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. These fibres are highly durable and can remain in lung tissue for many years, contributing to an increased risk of serious asbestos-related diseases.
Health conditions associated with crocidolite exposure include:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Pleural plaques
In Australia, crocidolite is closely linked to the former mining operations at Wittenoom in Western Australia. Between the 1930s and 1960s, crocidolite was mined extensively in the region, exposing workers, residents and their families to significant levels of asbestos dust. Wittenoom remains one of the most significant examples of occupational asbestos exposure in Australian history.
The town was officially degazetted in 2007 due to ongoing contamination risks and remains heavily contaminated today. The Wittenoom legacy continues to influence Australia’s strict asbestos regulations and public health approach.
Historically, crocidolite was used in:
- Pipe insulation
- Spray-applied insulation
- Cement products
- Industrial insulation materials
- Rope and gasket products
Although crocidolite was less commonly used than chrysotile, its association with mesothelioma and other serious illnesses means it remains a major concern whenever it is encountered during renovation, maintenance or demolition work.
Amosite (brown asbestos): Common in commercial buildings
Amosite, commonly known as brown asbestos, is another amphibole asbestos mineral that was widely used throughout Australia.
Valued for its heat resistance and strength, amosite was commonly incorporated into commercial and industrial building products, particularly where fire protection was required.
Common uses included:
- Ceiling tiles
- Pipe insulation
- Fire protection boards
- Thermal insulation products
- Cement sheets
- Structural fireproofing materials
Like crocidolite, amosite fibres are straight and needle-like. When disturbed, these fibres can become airborne and present significant health risks if inhaled.
Exposure to amosite has been linked to:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Pleural disease
Because many commercial buildings constructed before the asbestos ban remain in use today, amosite is still frequently encountered during refurbishment and demolition projects. Building owners, contractors and workers should ensure asbestos registers are reviewed before commencing work and that suspected ACMs are assessed appropriately.
Where removal is required, licensing requirements will depend on factors such as the type, quantity and condition of the material. Learn more about the differences between asbestos awareness and Class B asbestos licences and the process of obtaining a licence to remove asbestos.
Chrysotile (white asbestos): The most widely used type
Chrysotile asbestos, commonly known as white asbestos, belongs to the serpentine asbestos family and was by far the most widely used asbestos type in Australia.
Unlike amphibole asbestos fibres, chrysotile fibres are curly and flexible. These characteristics made chrysotile easier to manufacture into a wide range of building products.
As a result, chrysotile can still be found in many Australian homes and workplaces built before 2004.
Common applications included:
- Fibro sheeting
- Roofing materials
- Wall linings
- Floor tiles
- Guttering
- Fencing products
- Cement sheeting
Because of its widespread use, chrysotile is the asbestos type most commonly encountered during residential renovation projects.
A common misconception is that chrysotile asbestos is safe because it belongs to the serpentine asbestos family. While chrysotile fibres differ in structure from amphibole asbestos fibres, exposure can still result in serious health consequences including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural plaques.
When discussing chrysotile and other asbestos-containing materials, it is also important to understand the distinction between friable and non-friable asbestos.
Friable asbestos can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Because fibres can be released easily, friable asbestos generally presents a higher risk of exposure.
Non-friable asbestos, often referred to as bonded asbestos, is mixed with another material such as cement. While typically lower risk when left undisturbed, non-friable asbestos can become hazardous if it is cut, drilled, sanded, damaged or allowed to deteriorate.
The distinction between friable and non-friable asbestos is particularly important when determining whether a Class A or Class B asbestos removal licence is required. Workers involved in removal activities should ensure they have completed appropriate asbestos removal training and understand the licensing requirements that apply to the work being performed.
For more information about asbestos-related illnesses, see our article on the health effects of asbestos exposure.
How do you identify asbestos?
Asbestos identification is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of asbestos management. While the age, location and appearance of a material may suggest that asbestos is present, you cannot reliably identify asbestos or determine the type of asbestos by sight alone.
While terms such as blue asbestos, brown asbestos and white asbestos remain widely used, colour is not a reliable identification method. Weathering, coatings, paint and manufacturing processes can significantly alter a material’s appearance over time.
The only reliable way to confirm whether a material contains asbestos is through testing by an accredited NATA laboratory.
If you encounter a material that may contain asbestos:
- Do not disturb it.
- Avoid cutting, drilling, sanding or breaking the material.
- Restrict access to the area where possible.
- Arrange professional assessment and testing.
- Follow workplace asbestos management procedures.
The safest approach is to assume that any suspect material in a pre-2004 building contains asbestos until testing proves otherwise.
Workplaces must also ensure airborne asbestos fibres do not exceed the Workplace Exposure Standard of 0.1 fibres/mL, measured as a time-weighted average. This reinforces the need for strict controls even during short-duration tasks that may disturb asbestos-containing materials.
Workplaces should also follow guidance contained within the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace.
FAQs
Which type of asbestos is most dangerous?
Crocidolite (blue asbestos) is generally regarded as the most dangerous type of asbestos due to its extremely fine fibres and strong association with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
What are the two forms of asbestos on a work site?
In Australian workplaces, asbestos-containing materials are generally classified as either friable or non-friable. Friable asbestos can be easily crumbled by hand when dry and is more likely to release airborne fibres, while non-friable asbestos is bonded within another material such as cement sheeting and presents a lower risk when left undisturbed.
What are the three most common types of asbestos historically found in Australia?
The three most common types of asbestos historically used in Australia are crocidolite (blue asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and chrysotile (white asbestos).
Is mesothelioma and asbestosis the same thing?
No. Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart, while asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by scarring of lung tissue following asbestos exposure.
Is chrysotile asbestos still dangerous even though it breaks down faster than amphibole types?
Yes. Chrysotile asbestos can still release harmful fibres when disturbed and remains capable of causing serious diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
All types of asbestos present health risks, regardless of whether they belong to the amphibole asbestos or serpentine asbestos family. The key to reducing risk is proper identification, management and safe handling.
For workers, supervisors and businesses that may encounter asbestos-containing materials, AlertForce’s asbestos awareness training and asbestos removal training provide practical guidance on recognising asbestos hazards, understanding legal responsibilities and working safely around asbestos in Australian workplaces.