Types of Asbestos

All six types of amorphous asbestos exist in nature as bundles of fine, durable fibres. They are able to withstand chemical, heat, fire and electrical conductivity. They also have exceptional tensile strength and wear. Asbestos has been used in a wide range of products including flooring tiles, insulation paint and Vimeo heat-resistant fabrics.

Chrysotile

Before it was banned in 1980 Chrysotile (also known as white asbestos) was the most frequently used form of the mineral. It was used because it was fireproof, inexpensive and durable. It was later discovered to be extremely harmful and connected to diseases like mesothelioma. While some countries continue to make use of asbestos, a complete global ban is required now.

Health professionals continue to warn of the fact that all forms of asbestos, including chrysotile, can cause cancer and no amount of exposure is safe. Companies who mine and sell asbestos claim that chrysotile's safety is better than older forms of the mineral because it is tightly packaged and non-friable.

Although this type of asbestos is less hazardous than amphibole asbestos but it is still extremely dangerous to handle. Chrysotile asbestos is the most common type of asbestos mined, and is responsible for the majority of mesothelioma cancer cases in the world. Chrysotile is a brown or golden yellow fibrous material that appears like threads and feels supple to the touch. When examined with electron microscopy the fibres appear like tubes. They are actually composed of structural layers of the minerals formed into spirals.

Chrysotile has been shown to cause a variety of diseases, including pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer and other respiratory problems. It has also been linked to gastrointestinal problems and cardiovascular disease. These diseases are more common for those who work with chrysotile due to of their constant exposure to it. Asbestos chrysotile used to be extensively used in construction and auto repair. It could be found in older vehicles and homes.

Amosite

Asbest is composed of six types of fibrous silicate minerals. Each mineral has a distinct chemical composition and properties. However they are all linked to an increased risk of mesothelioma. They include the serpentine and amphibole minerals chrysotile (white asbestos) and crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, and tremolite.

Chrysotile is one of the most commonly used asbestos type in the United States. It is still found today in the walls, roofs and floors of many buildings and homes. It was also used for thermal insulation, gaskets, and boiler seals in automobiles. Other common asbestos products that contain chrysotile are shingles as well as cement sheets and pipe insulation.

All forms of asbestos pose dangers when inhaled. Exposure to asbestos in any form can cause lung cancer, pleural disease and mesothelioma. Inhalation is the primary route of exposure to asbestos, however, it is also possible to be exposed by handling or working with the fibers. Exposure to asbestos is especially hazardous if the materials are brittle. This means they are susceptible to crumbling easily and become dust particles that can be blown into the air.

Friability is correlated with the thickness of the fibres and their length. Fibers that are longer and thinner are more likely than shorter and shorter ones to penetrate into the lungs.

The most frequent method to expose workers to asbestos is through taking it off or handling it. Asbestos is a very fine, crystalline material that can release dust into the air when crushed or sanded. When asbestos is vacuumed or swept it can release tiny fibres into the air. This is due to the fact that sweeping can cause the fibres to break up when vacuuming them, while causing them to stick to other surfaces.

Crocidolite

As opposed to serpentine asbestos (chrysotile), the amphibole asbestos has long straight chain-like fibers that are brittle and more dangerous when inhaled. Crocidolite amosite, tremolite and crocidolite are the most common forms of amphibole. Other forms include anthophyllite and actinolite. These asbestos types can be found in natural deposits that contain Chrysotile. It is believed that these other asbestos minerals are also contaminants in crocidolite deposits, and could be mixed with the chrysotile asbestos in the deposit.

Asbestos is used in a variety of products including asbestos cement sheets and pipes and friction materials for automobile brakes, gaskets, and coatings. The fibres are weaved into fabric, paper, thread, mastics or bonded by Portland Cement, resins, or plastics. The length and size of the fibres will determine the most suitable application. The shorter fibres can be utilized for electrical insulation, filters, and flooring, whereas the longer ones are used for asbestos cement pipes, sheets and flooring.

A variety of studies have reported an association between asbestos exposure and stomach cancer. These studies yield varied results however, the conclusions are limited because of the absence of evidence. In general the risk of stomach cancer is likely to increase when the cumulative exposure to asbestos increases. The effect is diminished when the time from the initial exposure is taken into consideration.

Other forms of asbestos can be implicated in the development mesothelioma (a malignant tumor that affects the abdominal lining and chest). It has been found that children exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma compared to adults. The reasons for this are not clear.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the most frequent asbestos-related disease. It is caused by exposure to Princeton asbestos, and is usually more severe than other forms of asbestos-related illnesses. It affects the lungs and sometimes other organs like the stomach, the heart, and bladder. It is also a cause of mesothelioma - a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. It was extensively used in construction and is found in many different products.

The majority of people don't get sick from a low amount of asbestos in the air. People who do get sick are usually exposed to south lake tahoe asbestos lawyer regularly during a specific job and for a prolonged period of time. The most common jobs that require asbestos include mining, shipbuilding and construction. In recent years, regulations from the government have helped reduce the use of asbestos and it is now found in fewer structures. Some household products from the past, such as crayons and toys for children, still contain asbestos.

All forms of asbestos can cause lung diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis among other illnesses. Chrysotile asbestos is the most commonly recognized kind of asbestos. Other asbestos types include amphibole and crocidolite.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed they release microscopic fibers that are released into the air and can be inhaled. These fibres could get trapped inside the lungs if inhaled. The asbestos fibres may cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. This can result in lung cancer mesothelioma, mesothelioma or other diseases that may take years to develop. Smoking and having a family background of asbestos-related diseases are two factors which increase your chance of developing.

Mesothelioma

When asbestos is used in the production of insulation or in the construction and renovation of homes, tiny asbestos fibres are released into the air. The fibers are later consumed or swallowed, leading to serious health issues, such as mesothelioma.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers organs. Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining and abdomen. In some cases it can also be found on the tissues of the heart, or testicles.

Asbestos-related victims are more likely to develop mesothelioma as a result of their exposure at work. Mesothelioma can also affect the family members of asbestos workers. It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to the fact that the symptoms are not specific and can be similar to those of other diseases. In the end, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed and patients may not receive the treatment they need.

A visit to your doctor is the first step to diagnosing mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and any asbestos exposure. This will allow them to determine if you are at an increased risk for contracting the disease.

Once the mesothelioma-related diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent form of this disease, accounting for around 80% of all mesothelioma diagnosis each year. The other two types are peritoneal mesothelioma and a rare biphasic variant of mesothelioma. This type contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. Your doctor will determine the best treatment option for you according to the type of mesothelioma. Treatment can increase your odds of survival based on the nature and location of mesothelioma.