Amosite

About Amosite Asbestos

Amosite, commonly called brown asbestos, belongs to the amphibole family of asbestos minerals. Straight, needle-like fibers characterize this mineral.

Amphibole fibers like amosite are harder for the body to expel and are considered more carcinogenic than chrysotile.

Primary Uses

Amosite was used in various industrial and commercial applications:

• Thermal insulation
• Ceiling tiles
• Pipe insulation
• Fire protection boards

Common Products Containing Amosite

Products that historically contained Amosite include:

Learn more about specific asbestos-containing products:

Health Risks

Exposure to Amosite asbestos can cause:

• Mesothelioma — Aggressive cancer of the lung lining, heart lining, or abdominal lining with a median survival of 12-21 months
• Lung cancer — Risk increases significantly, especially with combined smoking exposure
• Asbestosis — Progressive scarring of lung tissue causing breathing difficulties
• Pleural disease — Thickening, plaques, and effusions in the lung lining

Symptoms may not appear until 20-50 years after initial exposure, making early detection challenging.

Where Amosite Was Found

Amosite was primarily sourced from:

• South Africa (primarily Transvaal)

Peak usage in the United States occurred during the 1950s-1970s.

Current Regulatory Status

Status: Banned in U.S. since 1989

Despite regulations, legacy asbestos remains in millions of buildings constructed before 1980. Renovation, demolition, and maintenance activities continue to expose workers and building occupants to asbestos fibers.

Other Asbestos Types