What asbestos is—and why identification matters
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals once used extensively in construction products for strength, fire resistance and insulation.
Arrange professional samplingSee where asbestos may be found
A group of six fibrous minerals
Asbestos is the collective name for six naturally occurring silicate minerals. Chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite are the three types most commonly encountered in older building products in Jersey and the British Isles.
All forms of asbestos can cause serious disease when fibres become airborne and are inhaled. Colour names such as white, brown and blue asbestos are historical descriptions—not a reliable way to identify a material.
Why was it used?
Asbestos fibres are strong and resistant to heat and fire. They were incorporated into products for thermal, acoustic and electrical insulation, fire protection and durability.
Those useful properties led to asbestos being used in boards, coatings, insulation, cement products, floor coverings, gaskets and many other materials.
The types most often discussed
Chrysotile
Often called white asbestos. It was used in many cement, textile, friction and composite products.
Amosite
Often called brown asbestos. It was commonly associated with insulating board and thermal-insulation products.
Crocidolite
Often called blue asbestos. Historical uses included some sprayed coatings, insulation and cement products.
The historical colour names must not be used to identify an asbestos-containing material.
Asbestos in Jersey buildings
Asbestos-containing materials remain in many older Jersey homes, workplaces and structures. Their presence does not automatically mean they must be removed. Material in good condition that will not be disturbed can often be managed safely.
The risk increases when a material is damaged, deteriorating, drilled, cut, sanded, broken or otherwise disturbed, because fibres may be released into the air.
Do not rely on appearance
Asbestos cannot normally be confirmed by sight, age or colour. Conclusive identification requires a representative sample taken under controlled conditions and analysed by a suitably accredited laboratory.
Do not break or collect a sample yourself. Ask a competent person to assess the material and select the appropriate next step.
Frequently asked questions
Can asbestos be identified by its colour?
No. A product’s appearance or colour cannot reliably confirm whether it contains asbestos. Laboratory analysis of a representative sample is required.
Is asbestos dangerous if it is left alone?
Material in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed may present negligible risk, but its condition and location must be considered and managed where workplace duties apply.
Should I take an asbestos sample myself?
No. Sampling can release fibres and should be planned and completed by a competent person using suitable controls.
Jersey guidance
Jersey’s asbestos-specific guidance is set out in Management of Exposure to Asbestos in Workplace Buildings and Structures: ACoP 8 (revised 2020). It explains where asbestos may be found, the health hazards and how it should be identified and managed.
Unsure about a material?
Tell us where it is, its condition and what work is planned. We can recommend proportionate inspection, sampling or survey support.
Ask Jersey Asbestos