What Does Asbestos Look Like?
To answer the question of what does asbestos look like, you must first understand what it is. Asbestos is simply a mineral mined from the dirt or mountains - so in that respect, it simply looks like dirt. These tiny fibers measure approximately 3.0-20.0 µm (micrometer) in length and can be as thin as 0.01 µm. A human hair has an approximate size anywhere from 17 to 181 µm in width. Asbestos is easiest to observe with the assistance of a microscope.
chrysotile asbestos rock sample
The asbestos mineral chrysotile (white asbestos) is a soft fibrous silicate mineral that is most frequently used in various commercial applications. Chrysotile consists of a small curly fiber.
There is another form of asbestos mineral called amphibole, which has limited commercial applications. Amphibole asbestos is a straight fiber which is more brittle than chrysotile. This weakness makes it not as usable as the chrysotile form.
The small fibers of asbestos can be combined with other materials to make them stronger, more heat resistant, or operate as a superior insulator.
Asbestos fibers pose their greatest risk when airborne since they can potentially become inhaled. Once they enter the lungs, they become trapped and embedded causing irritation to the tissue they are exposed to. This can often lead to asbestos cancer.
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