The sixth type of asbestos mineral is chrysotile , which is significantly softer in texture and has a snake-like crystal structure. Because chrysotile is softer and more flexible, it can be broken down by the body easier than the other forms. Chrysotile , an asbestos mineral. In 1991, the EPA lifted it's ban on asbestos, but this did not change the public's perception that all asbestos is dangerous. Studies showed that inhaling asbestos does cause problems, but just asbestos itself is basically harmless.
Most asbestos mixed in the walls and tiles are safe until the fibers are released in dust.
Chrysotile is still fairly common in some situations. The space shuttle program uses it in liners to protect the solid fuel booster from the heat of takeoff. It is also a filter in submarines to get oxygen from the water. The biggest use today is in mixing asbestos minerals in cement. Much of our water runs through underground asbestos cement pipes.