Types of Asbestos

All six types of asbestos are naturally formed as bundles of pliable and thin fibres. They are resistant to chemical, heat, fire and electrical conductivity. They also have excellent tensile strength and wear. Asbestos is utilized in a variety of products such as floor tiles, insulation, paints and heat-resistant fabric.

Chrysotile

Chrysotile, known as white asbestos was the most widely used form of the mineral used in a myriad of products prior to its ban in the 1980s. It was this because it was affordable, durable, and fireproof. However, it was also found to be extremely harmful and was linked to mesothelioma and other illnesses. While some countries still use asbestos, a global ban is now needed.

Health care professionals are continuing to warn that all forms of asbestos, including chrysotile, are carcinogenic and no amount of exposure is safe. Companies who mine and sell asbestos attorney claim that chrysotile is safer than other forms of the mineral because it's a tightly packed and is not flammable.

This kind of asbestos is less harmful than the amphibole asbestos types, but it is still dangerous for workers to handle. Chrysotile asbestos is the most common kind of asbestos mined and is responsible for the majority mesothelioma cases in the world. Chrysotile, a brownish-golden mineral that feels soft and looks like threads is a fibrous mineral. When examined with electron microscopy the fibers look more like tubes. They are actually a combination of structural layers of the minerals rolled into spiral form.

Chrysotile has been found to cause a variety of illnesses which include pleural mesothelioma lung cancer and other respiratory problems. It has also been linked with gastrointestinal issues and cardiovascular diseases. Those who work with chrysotile have a greater chance of being susceptible to developing these illnesses because they are in constant contact with the mineral. Asbestos chrysotile was previously widely used in auto and construction repair. It is found in old homes and vehicles.

Amosite

Asbest is made up of six types of fibrous silicate minerals. Each mineral has its unique chemical composition and properties however, all six are linked to increased risk of mesothelioma. They include the amphibole and serpentine minerals Chrysotile (white asbestos) and crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, and tremolite.

Chrysotile is one of the most commonly used kind of asbestos found in the United States. It can still be found in the walls, roofs and floors of a variety of businesses and homes. It was also used in automotive brake gaskets, linings, boiler seals, thermal insulation and sealing. Other asbestos products that contain Chrysotile are shingles, cement sheets and pipe insulation.

All forms of asbestos pose dangers when inhaled. Exposure to any form of asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other lung diseases. Exposure to asbestos is commonly caused by inhalation, but it can also be triggered by working or handling fibres. Exposure to asbestos is particularly hazardous when materials are fragile. This means that they are prone to break down easily and become dust particles that can be blown into the air.

Friability is a function of length and thickness of the fibers. The longer and longer fibres are more likely to penetrate deep into the lungs, whereas thinner and shorter fibres are less likely to do so.

The most common exposure to asbestos is often when workers are handling or removing it. Asbestos is an extremely fine, crystalline material that can release dust into the air when crushed or sanded. When asbestos is vacuumed or asbestos lawyer swept it can release tiny fibres into the air. This is because sweeping can cause fibres to break up and vacuuming causes them to stick to surfaces.

Crocidolite

Unlike the serpentine asbestos (chrysotile) amphibole asbestos has long straight chain-like fibres that are brittle and more dangerous when inhaled. Crocidolite (blue asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and tremolite (red asbestos lawyer) are the most popular amphibole asbestos, but it is also found in other forms such as anthophyllite and actinolite. These kinds of asbestos are commonly found in natural deposits along with chrysotile asbestos. Other asbestos minerals could be contaminants in crocidolite, and mixed with chrysotile to form a deposit.

Asbestos can be found in a variety of products, including asbestos cement pipes, sheets, friction materials used for coatings, brakes, and gaskets. The fibres can be woven into fabrics, paper, mastics and threads or tied by Portland cement resins, plastics, or resins. The size and length of the fibres determine the best application. The shorter fibres are commonly employed in textiles, electrical insulation and filters, whereas the longer fibres are used in asbestos cement sheets, pipes, flooring and sheets.

Numerous studies have proven that asbestos exposure is linked to and stomach cancer. The results of these studies differ, however the conclusions are influenced by the relatively sparse literature on this subject. In general the risk of developing stomach cancer is likely to increase as the cumulative exposure to asbestos increases. However, the risk is lessened when the latency in the time since first exposure is taken into account.

Other forms of asbestos have been linked in the development of mesothelioma which is a malignant tumor that affects the chest and abdomen (Mesothelioma). Children who are exposed to asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma. The reasons are unknown.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the most frequent asbestos-related illness. It can be caused by exposure to asbestos and is more severe than other forms of asbestos-related diseases. It affects the lungs, and sometimes other organs like the stomach, heart, and bladder. It can also cause mesothelioma - an uncommon cancer that affects lungs the lining.

Asbestos belongs to a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. It was extensively employed in construction and is found in a variety of products.

Most people don't become sick from the low levels of asbestos in the air. People who do develop illness are often exposed to asbestos on a regular basis in a specific job, and for a prolonged period of time. The most common jobs that are exposed to asbestos are shipbuilding, mining and construction. In recent years, regulations from the government have helped limit asbestos' use and it is now found in fewer structures. Some older household products, such as crayons and toys for children still contain asbestos settlement.

All forms of asbestos can cause lung diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other diseases. Chrysotile is the most widely recognised form of asbestos. Other types of asbestos are amphibole and crocidolite.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they release microscopic fibers that become airborne and are inhaled. The fibres can become trapped in the lungs when inhaled. The asbestos fibres can then cause scarring and inflammation of the lungs. This can lead to lung carcinoma, mesothelioma, or other illnesses that can take years to develop. Other factors that increase the likelihood of developing an asbestos-related disease include smoking cigarettes and having an ancestral history of the condition.

Mesothelioma

When asbestos is used for insulation or in the construction and renovation of homes, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. These fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems like mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma, a type of cancer that is found in the lining of organs called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining and abdomen. In some cases it can also affect the tissues of the heart, or testicles.

Asbestos workers are more likely to develop mesothelioma owing to exposure at work. However, the family members of asbestos workers are also at risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms aren't specific and often mimic those of other diseases. Because of this, mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed, and sufferers may not receive the treatment they need.

A mesothelioma diagnosis starts with an appointment with your doctor. The doctor will inquire about your medical background as well as any asbestos exposure. This will allow them to determine if your are at a higher risk for the disease.

After the mesothelioma diagnosis has been made, your doctor will determine which type of mesothelioma you have. Pleural mesothelioma has been identified as the most frequent type of this disease and accounts for about 88% of all mesothelioma diagnosis each year. The other two types are peritoneal and a rare biphasic variant of mesothelioma. This type contains both sarcomatoid and epithelioid cells. The type of mesothelioma will help your doctor decide on the most appropriate treatment options for you. Treatment may increase your chance of surviving depending on the nature and location of your mesothelioma.