Types of Asbestos
All six types of asbestos naturally form bundles of thin and durable fibres. They are resistant to heat, fire chemicals, electrical conductivity and chemical vapors. They also have excellent wear and tensile strength. Asbestos is a component in many products including floor tiles, insulation, paint, and heat-resistant fabrics.
Chrysotile
Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, was the most common form of the mineral that was used in a variety of products prior to its ban in the 1980s. It was due to its being inexpensive, durable and fireproof. It was later discovered to be extremely harmful and connected to mesothelioma-related diseases. Certain countries continue to use asbestos but a global prohibition is needed.
Health care professionals are continuing to warn that all kinds of asbestos, including chrysotile, are carcinogenic and no amount of exposure to asbestos is safe. Companies that mine and sell asbestos claim that chrysotile is more safe than older forms of the mineral, because it's a tightly packed and non-friable.
Although this kind of asbestos is less dangerous than amphibole asbestos, it is still extremely dangerous to handle. Chrysotile asbestos is the most widely used type of asbestos mined and is responsible for the majority of mesothelioma cancer cases around the world. Chrysotile is a brown or golden yellow fibrous material that appears like threads, and feels soft to the touch. Under an electron microscopy, the fibres appear like tubes. They are actually a mixture of structural layers of minerals that are formed into spirals.
Chrysotile is known to trigger many illnesses, such as pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer. It has also been linked with gastrointestinal issues and cardiovascular disease. These conditions are more prevalent among those who work with chrysotile as a result of their long-term exposure to it. Asbestos chrysotile was previously extensively employed in the construction industry and auto repair. It is often found in older buildings and vehicles.
Amosite
Asbest is comprised of six different types of fibrous silicate minerals. Each mineral has a different chemical composition and properties. However all six are associated with an increased risk of mesothelioma. They include the amphibole and serpentine minerals chrysotile (white asbestos) and crocidolite. They also include amosite and anthophyllite as well as tremolite.
Chrysotile is the most popular asbestos-related type found in the United States. It can still be found in the roofs, walls and floors of a variety of businesses and homes. It was also used as thermal insulation, gaskets, and boiler seals in automobiles. Other asbestos products that contain Chrysotile comprise cement sheets, shingles and pipe insulation.
All forms of asbestos are dangerous when inhaled. nashua asbestos lawyer to any form of asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer and other pleural diseases. The exposure to asbestos is most often caused by inhalation, but it can also be triggered by handling or working with asbestos fibres. The exposure to asbestos is especially dangerous if materials are friable. This means they are susceptible to crumbling easily and then become airborne dust particles.
Friability is a function of length and thickness of the fibers. Thicker and longer fibres will be more likely to penetrate into the lungs, while shorter and thinner fibres are less likely to do this.
Exposure to asbestos occurs most often when workers are handling or removing it. This is due to asbestos being a very fine material and may be released into the air as dust when it is crushed or sanded. When asbestos is swept or vacuumed, it may release small fibres into the air. This is because sweeping may cause fibres to break up, while vacuuming makes them stick to surfaces.
Crocidolite
In contrast to the serpentine asbestos (chrysotile) the amphibole asbestos has long, straight chain-like fibres, which are more fragile and hazardous when inhaled. Crocidolite (blue asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and tremolite (red asbestos) are the most popular amphibole asbestos. However, it can also exist in other forms such as anthophyllite and actinolite. These types of asbestos are often found in natural deposits along with the chrysotile asbestos. It is believed that the other asbestos minerals are contaminants in crocidolite deposits and could be mixed with chrysotile asbestos within the deposit.
Asbestos is utilized in a range of products including asbestos cement pipe and sheets and friction materials used in car brakes, gaskets, and coatings. The fibres are weaved into fabric, paper, thread, mastics or bound with Portland Cement, resins or plastics. The length and size of the fibres determine the best application. The shorter fibres are commonly used in electrical insulation, textiles and filters, whereas the longer fibres are used in asbestos cement sheets, pipes and flooring.
A variety of studies have found a link between asbestos exposure and cancer of the stomach. These studies yield varied results however the conclusions are limited because of the absence of evidence. In general, the risk of developing stomach cancer is seen to increase as the cumulative exposure to asbestos increases. The risk is decreased when the time period from the initial exposure is considered.
Other forms of asbestos can be implicated in the development of mesothelioma (a malignant cancer that affects the abdomen's lining as well as the chest). Children who have been exposed to asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma. The reasons for this are not clear.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is one the most prevalent ailments caused by asbestos. It is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos, and is usually more serious than other types of asbestos disease. It can affect the lungs and occasionally other organs such as the heart or stomach. It may also cause mesothelioma - a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos is composed of six naturally occurring fibrous silicic minerals. It is found in many different products. It was once extensively used in construction but has now been banned due to its negative effects.
The majority of people don't get sick from the low levels of asbestos in the air. However, those who get sick are typically exposed on a regular basis to asbestos in a specific job, and usually for a long period of time. The most frequent jobs that require asbestos are shipbuilding, mining and construction. In recent years, federal regulations have helped to limit the use of asbestos and it is now found in fewer structures. Certain household items from the past, such as crayons, toys for children and even crayons, still contain asbestos.
All forms of asbestos can cause lung diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other illnesses. Chrysotile is the most widely recognised form of asbestos. Other types of asbestos are amphibole and crocidolite.
When asbestos-containing material is disturbed microscopically, tiny fibres are released into the air and can be inhaled. These fibres can get trapped in the lungs when inhaled. Asbestos fibres can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. This can result in mesothelioma, lung cancer or other diseases that can take years to develop. Smoking and having a family background of asbestos-related illnesses are other factors that increase the chance of developing.
Mesothelioma
When asbestos is used to make insulation or for the construction and renovation of homes, tiny asbestos fibres are released into the air. The fibers are later inhaled or swallowed, leading to serious health issues like mesothelioma.
The mesothelium, the lining that covers organs. Mesothelioma typically affects the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). In some cases, it could also be found on the tissues of the heart, or testicles.
Asbestos workers are more likely to develop mesothelioma owing to exposure to asbestos at work. Mesothelioma can also affect the family members of asbestos workers. Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms aren't always specific and frequently resemble symptoms of more common diseases. Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed, and victims may not get the treatment they need.
A mesothelioma diagnosis starts with an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will inquire about your medical background and any asbestos exposure. This will allow them to determine if your are at an increased risk of contracting the disease.
When the mesothelioma diagnose is confirmed by your doctor, they will determine which type of mesothelioma that you have. Pleural mesothelioma (the most commonly diagnosed type of this disease, accounts for about 80 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses each year. The other two types are peritoneal mesothelioma and a rare biphasic variant of mesothelioma. This type contains epithelioid and sarcomatoid cell types. The type of mesothelioma you have will help your doctor determine the best treatment options for you. Based on your location and the type of mesothelioma you have, treatment may increase your chances of survival.