Which type of asbestos is most commonly used in commercial applications?

The most commonly used type of asbestos in commercial applications is white asbestos, also known as chrysotile. This form of asbestos is favored due to its fibrous properties, chemical resistance, and flexibility, making it suitable for a wide range of products, including insulation, roofing materials, and automotive parts.

Chrysotile constitutes approximately 95% of the asbestos found in buildings and products in the United States. Its commercial popularity is primarily due to its effectiveness in preventing fire and insulating against heat. While the other types of asbestos, such as blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite), are indeed utilized in certain applications, they are less common and have largely fallen out of favor due to higher health risks associated with their use. Green asbestos is not widely recognized and does not correspond to any commercial or industrial application.

Understanding the prevalence of white asbestos is crucial for workers and regulators involved in construction and demolition, particularly for safely handling or removing materials that may contain asbestos and for implementing appropriate health and safety guidelines.