U.S. Usage
90-95%
Risk Level
High
Fiber Type
Curly
Color
White to grayish-green
About Chrysotile Asbestos
Chrysotile, commonly called white asbestos, belongs to the serpentine family of asbestos minerals. Curly, flexible fibers characterize this mineral.
Despite industry claims of lower danger, chrysotile causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. No safe exposure level exists.
Primary Uses
Chrysotile was used in various industrial and commercial applications:
- Building materials
- Brake linings
- Roof shingles
- Cement products
- Textiles
Common Products Containing Chrysotile
Products that historically contained Chrysotile include:
Learn more about specific asbestos-containing products:
Health Risks
Exposure to Chrysotile 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 Chrysotile Was Found
Chrysotile was primarily sourced from:
- Canada
- Russia
- China
- Brazil
- Zimbabwe
Peak usage in the United States occurred during the 1930s-1980s.
Current Regulatory Status
Status: Partially banned in U.S. (2024 EPA rule phases out remaining uses)
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.