Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals that are made up of long, thin fibers. Asbestos fibers are strong, heat resistant, and flexible, which made them desirable for use in a wide range of products, including building materials, insulation, brake linings, and textiles. The six types of asbestos are:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos)
• Amosite (brown asbestos)
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
• Tremolite
• Anthophyllite
• Actinolite

All types of asbestos are hazardous when inhaled or ingested, but some are more dangerous than others. Chrysotile is the most commonly used form of asbestos and accounts for about 95% of all asbestos used in the world. It is less potent than the other types of asbestos and is more easily removed from the body by the lungs' natural defenses. However, it is still a serious health hazard and can cause a variety of lung diseases.

Amosite and crocidolite are considered to be the most dangerous types of asbestos. They are more brittle than chrysotile and break down more easily, releasing more fibers into the air. Exposure to even small amounts of these types of asbestos can cause serious health problems.