Widely used in manufacturing and industry in the 20th century, members of the asbestos family of fibrous minerals are implicated in various diseases including an aggressive form of cancer, mesothelioma, firmly linked to asbestos exposure. This naturally occurring group of minerals consists of six members divided into two categories. Serpentine asbestos has curled fibers in contrast to the straight, narrow fibers of amphibole asbestos minerals. Members of the amphibole group constitute the most dangerous type of asbestos due to the needle-like fibers that become lodged in the tissues of the body.
Crocidolite
Crocidolite asbestos, called blue asbestos due to its coloration, is no longer mined and played a relatively minor role in asbestos use in the United States. Its heat resistant properties are inferior to other forms, and it was mainly used in the manufacture of asbestos-cement. This member of the amphibole group has long hair-like fibers that penetrate the body’s tissues. Researchers have confirmed that approximately 18% of miners of crocidolite have succumbed to mesothelioma.
Amosite
Brown asbestos, amosite, is another of the amphibole group. It is the second most dangerous of the asbestos minerals due to the long, straight fibers that the body can’t expel. Like blue asbestos, this variety has caused the death and illness of vast numbers of miners in South Africa. This form of asbestos made up about 5% of all industrially-used asbestos. Although it has been banned in many countries, amosite products are still in existence in buildings and can pose a hazard when fibers become airborne.
Chrysotile
The most frequently used form of asbestos is chrysotile, a member of the curly-fibered serpentine group. With a long history of use spanning over two centuries, chrysotile was first used for its heat resistant properties in textiles and lamp wicks. Mined in Canada, Russia, Italy and elsewhere, this mineral is at the center of much debate concerning safety.
Although recent attempts are routinely made to decrease the friability (crumbliness) of this mineral’s products, large quantities of material put in place before asbestos warnings and bans are still in existence and present a serious health hazard. These were primarily used to produce asbestos-cement but also used in brake shoes and pads, plastics, roof sealants, and road asphalt.
Despite the industry’s attempts to stabilize the mineral, health professionals agree that there is no safe level of exposure to this carcinogenic material. Producing countries have blocked attempts to have it classified as a toxic substance.
Crocidolite
Crocidolite asbestos, called blue asbestos due to its coloration, is no longer mined and played a relatively minor role in asbestos use in the United States. Its heat resistant properties are inferior to other forms, and it was mainly used in the manufacture of asbestos-cement. This member of the amphibole group has long hair-like fibers that penetrate the body’s tissues. Researchers have confirmed that approximately 18% of miners of crocidolite have succumbed to mesothelioma.
Amosite
Brown asbestos, amosite, is another of the amphibole group. It is the second most dangerous of the asbestos minerals due to the long, straight fibers that the body can’t expel. Like blue asbestos, this variety has caused the death and illness of vast numbers of miners in South Africa. This form of asbestos made up about 5% of all industrially-used asbestos. Although it has been banned in many countries, amosite products are still in existence in buildings and can pose a hazard when fibers become airborne.
Chrysotile
The most frequently used form of asbestos is chrysotile, a member of the curly-fibered serpentine group. With a long history of use spanning over two centuries, chrysotile was first used for its heat resistant properties in textiles and lamp wicks. Mined in Canada, Russia, Italy and elsewhere, this mineral is at the center of much debate concerning safety.
Although recent attempts are routinely made to decrease the friability (crumbliness) of this mineral’s products, large quantities of material put in place before asbestos warnings and bans are still in existence and present a serious health hazard. These were primarily used to produce asbestos-cement but also used in brake shoes and pads, plastics, roof sealants, and road asphalt.
Despite the industry’s attempts to stabilize the mineral, health professionals agree that there is no safe level of exposure to this carcinogenic material. Producing countries have blocked attempts to have it classified as a toxic substance.
