Asbestos is a natural mineral that has long been praised for its fire and heat resistant fibers, and its subsequent usefulness in construction and other industrial efforts. Mined for its various beneficial properties, asbestos possesses a great tensile strength, strong thermal and chemical stability, and an unmatched ability to insulate.
Asbestos comes in two forms, which are distinguished based on their crystalline structure. The first is the amphibole form which consists of thin fibers that come together to form a chain structure. There are five types of amphibole asbestos which include crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, actinolite, and tremolite. Amosite asbestos is also known as brown asbestos and is the second most common type of asbestos present in buildings. Crocidolite, or blue, asbestos is the third most common with the rest of the forms of amphibole asbestos being very rare. The second type of asbestos is thicker, shorter, and curlier than the amphibole form and is formed in layers. The name for this type of asbestos is chrysotile and consists of somewhere between 90% and 95% of asbestos present in U.S. buildings.
asbestos restricted buildingWhy is Asbestos Hazardous?
When the fibers are disturbed, asbestos becomes airborne. Once they enter the air, they are capable of being inhaled by individuals in the area. Once they are introduced in the body, they can cause numerous health conditions as they can enter the lung tissue and the immune system is not capable of removing them.
When is Asbestos a Hazard?
Asbestos is believed to only be a significant hazard when it has become airborne. If asbestos is present, it should be monitored to ensure that the area is still safe and that the particles have not been disturbed. “Friable asbestos” is a term used to describe asbestos fibers which can be converted to dust when pressure is applied to them. Harder fibers which are not subject to pressure are known as “non-friable asbestos.” If the asbestos is “non-friable,” the mineral is not under regulation. However, these fibers are still able to be converted into “friable asbestos” through the use of grinding machines or sanding.
Comparison of Amphibole and Chrysotile Asbestos
Amphibole asbestos was widely believed to be the most dangerous as they have thin fibers which scientists believe allows them to enter the lung tissue better than the curly fibers of chrysotile asbestos. However, numerous researchers have determined that this is not the case. In fact, research has shown that chrysotile asbestos can become lodged in the lungs and is the sole cause of malignant mesothelioma cancer.
Uses of Asbestos
There are several uses of asbestos, particularly in the realm of duct and pipe insulation, insulation in buildings, as well as in ceiling and wall panels. More specifically, the fibers can be found in compounds for patching and spackling, roofing materials, brake linings and pads, cement, heating appliances in the home such as toasters, flooring tiles, and furnaces.
Because of these common asbestos uses, the most common victims of these diseases are mechanics, construction workers, and those who have worked in shipyards. In 1973, aerosols containing asbestos were prohibited. In the mid 1970s, additional materials containing asbestos were banned.
Who is at Risk for Asbestos Related Diseases?
Those who undergo exposure to asbestos are all at risk for asbestos-related conditions such as malignant mesothelioma. In fact, a large number of those persons with mesothelioma never experienced direct exposure to the asbestos mineral fibers. Individuals who are simply exposed to the clothes of those who work frequently with the mineral are also largely at risk for being diagnosed with this condition.
Asbestos comes in two forms, which are distinguished based on their crystalline structure. The first is the amphibole form which consists of thin fibers that come together to form a chain structure. There are five types of amphibole asbestos which include crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, actinolite, and tremolite. Amosite asbestos is also known as brown asbestos and is the second most common type of asbestos present in buildings. Crocidolite, or blue, asbestos is the third most common with the rest of the forms of amphibole asbestos being very rare. The second type of asbestos is thicker, shorter, and curlier than the amphibole form and is formed in layers. The name for this type of asbestos is chrysotile and consists of somewhere between 90% and 95% of asbestos present in U.S. buildings.
asbestos restricted buildingWhy is Asbestos Hazardous?
When the fibers are disturbed, asbestos becomes airborne. Once they enter the air, they are capable of being inhaled by individuals in the area. Once they are introduced in the body, they can cause numerous health conditions as they can enter the lung tissue and the immune system is not capable of removing them.
When is Asbestos a Hazard?
Asbestos is believed to only be a significant hazard when it has become airborne. If asbestos is present, it should be monitored to ensure that the area is still safe and that the particles have not been disturbed. “Friable asbestos” is a term used to describe asbestos fibers which can be converted to dust when pressure is applied to them. Harder fibers which are not subject to pressure are known as “non-friable asbestos.” If the asbestos is “non-friable,” the mineral is not under regulation. However, these fibers are still able to be converted into “friable asbestos” through the use of grinding machines or sanding.
Comparison of Amphibole and Chrysotile Asbestos
Amphibole asbestos was widely believed to be the most dangerous as they have thin fibers which scientists believe allows them to enter the lung tissue better than the curly fibers of chrysotile asbestos. However, numerous researchers have determined that this is not the case. In fact, research has shown that chrysotile asbestos can become lodged in the lungs and is the sole cause of malignant mesothelioma cancer.
Uses of Asbestos
There are several uses of asbestos, particularly in the realm of duct and pipe insulation, insulation in buildings, as well as in ceiling and wall panels. More specifically, the fibers can be found in compounds for patching and spackling, roofing materials, brake linings and pads, cement, heating appliances in the home such as toasters, flooring tiles, and furnaces.
Because of these common asbestos uses, the most common victims of these diseases are mechanics, construction workers, and those who have worked in shipyards. In 1973, aerosols containing asbestos were prohibited. In the mid 1970s, additional materials containing asbestos were banned.
Who is at Risk for Asbestos Related Diseases?
Those who undergo exposure to asbestos are all at risk for asbestos-related conditions such as malignant mesothelioma. In fact, a large number of those persons with mesothelioma never experienced direct exposure to the asbestos mineral fibers. Individuals who are simply exposed to the clothes of those who work frequently with the mineral are also largely at risk for being diagnosed with this condition.
