Crocidolite Rope – The ‘Blue’ Asbestos

An amazing image from our in-house asbestos testing laboratory in Cardiff - this time a piece of crocidolite rope. Look closely at the colour!

What is Crocidolite or ‘Blue Asbestos’?

Crocidolite is often referred to as 'blue' asbestos. In its mineral form, crocidolite showcases a range of blue hues, from light blue to deep blue or blue grey. These colours, coupled with its fine, fibrous crystals, give crocidolite a distinctive and fascinating ‘blue’ appearance.

Historical Usage in the UK

In the United Kingdom, crocidolite was commonly used in various applications, particularly in construction materials.

Despite its lower thermal threshold, crocidolite was still utilised in various products and applications due to its high tensile strength and resistance to chemicals. Its durability and resistance to heat made it a popular choice for insulation, cement, and other industrial products.

As mentioned, Crocidolite asbestos has a lower heat threshold compared to other asbestos types including  Chrysotile. For this reason, crocidolite was not as widely used in the UK and it was generally not included in materials or products that needed heavy insulation.

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Common Uses of Crocidolite Asbestos:

Asbestos Cement:  
Often used in the construction of water pipes, roofing sheets, and wall panels.  
Known for its durability and strength, though less common than Chrysotile in such applications.   

Asbestos Tiles:
Used in ceiling and floor tiles.  
Crocidolite ceiling tiles were popular due to their sufficient insulation properties for typical ceiling applications.   

Asbestos-Based Insulation:  
Applied in locations where the heat insulation requirements were not extreme.  
Found in buildings, industrial sites, and even residential areas.   

Spray-On Asbestos Coatings:  
Used for fireproofing, soundproofing, and insulating purposes.  
The blue hue of crocidolite makes it easier to identify, especially in older buildings where it may have been applied to pipes, beams, and walls.   

Pipe Insulation:  
Crocidolite's use in pipe insulation was less extensive due to its lower heat resistance but still present in some instances.  
It's distinct colour helps in identifying its presence in insulation materials.   

Additive in Plastics:  
Incorporated into some plastic products to enhance strength and durability.  
Less common compared to other asbestos types used in plastics.

Health Risks

Crocidolite is believed to be responsible for more deaths than any other type of asbestos. The shape of the fibres, which are extremely thin, make them particularly hazardous. These fine fibres can easily lodge in lung tissue when inhaled, causing significant damage over time.

Products containing crocidolite also have a high friability rate, meaning they break up easily when disturbed. When these fibres are inhaled, they can cause severe respiratory illnesses, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

The image of crocidolite rope from our lab serves as a powerful reminder of the health risks associated with crocidolite The history of its use, coupled with the deadly consequences of exposure, underscores the importance of continued awareness and caution when dealing with asbestos-containing materials.

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