5%
Very High
Straight
Brown to gray
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 four main diseases. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the lung, heart, or abdominal lining with a median survival of 12 to 21 months after diagnosis. Asbestos-related lung cancer risk climbs with exposure and multiplies sharply for people who also smoked. Asbestosis is a progressive scarring of lung tissue that makes breathing steadily harder. Pleural disease produces thickening, calcified plaques, and fluid collections in the lining around the lungs.
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
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Consult with healthcare providers for medical questions and qualified attorneys for legal options.