Amphibole asbestos · Brown
Amosite - Brown asbestos (grunerite)
Amosite, or brown asbestos, is an iron-rich mineral of the amphibole group. The fibres are straight, rigid and long. Amosite was mined mainly in South Africa. The name comes from the original mining company, "Asbestos Mines of South Africa" (AMOSA).
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Mineral group
Amphibole
Colour
Brown
Formula
(Fe,Mg)₇Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
Risk level
High
Characteristics
- ✓Straight, rigid fibres
- ✓Extremely heat-resistant
- ✓Very long fibres (up to several centimetres)
- ✓Iron-rich amphibole
Historical uses
- •Sprayed thermal insulation
- •Fire protection in buildings and ships
- •Pipe insulation and acoustic sprays
- •Reinforcement in cement boards (especially in the 1970s)
- •Heat-resistant gaskets and seals
Where can Amosite be found?
- •Sprayed insulation in cellars and plant rooms
- •Thermal insulation in shipbuilding
- •Boiler plants and electrical substations
Amosite in Finland
In Finland, amosite was used above all in the 1960s and 1970s as sprayed insulation. Many industrial and public buildings still contain sprayed insulation made with amosite.
Ban
Banned in Finland in 1994. Sprayed asbestos had already been banned earlier, in 1977.
Health risk
High. As an amphibole asbestos, amosite has long, rigid fibres that remain in the lungs and are strongly associated with mesothelioma. Minimising exposure is particularly important.
Do you suspect Amosite in your material?
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