The term asbestos refers to six fibrous minerals that occur naturally throughout the world. These six types of fibres are:

1. Chrysotile
2. Tremolite
3. Crocidolite
4. Amosite
5. Actinolite
6. Anthophyllite

The most widely used type of asbestos is chrysotile. It accounts for approximately 95% of asbestos used worldwide.

Asbestos fibres are naturally resistant to heat, fire, electricity and chemicals. These properties made it an ideal additive in construction products to prevent fire and chemical corrosion.