Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil and rock in some areas of the United States.
The six types of asbestos are actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and tremolite. These minerals are made up of fibers that vary in size and shape. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the method of exposure that is most likely to cause adverse health effects for people. Workers may also carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, where family members might come into contact with asbestos by inhaling the fibers. Also, people who live or work near asbestos-related operations may inhale asbestos fibers that enter the air because of releases of materials into the environment.