Types of Asbestos

All six types of asbestos are found naturally in strings of pliable and durable fibres. They are resistant against chemical, heat, fire and electrical conductivity. They also have excellent tensile strength and wear. Asbestos is used in many products such as floor tiles, insulation, paint, and heat-resistant fabric.

Chrysotile

Chrysotile, known as white asbestos was the most popular type of mineral used in a myriad of products before it was banned in the 1980s. This was because it was inexpensive, durable and fireproof. However, it was also found to be extremely risky and linked to mesothelioma and other illnesses. While some countries still employ asbestos, a complete global ban is required now.

Health professionals continue to warn that all types of asbestos, including chrysotile, are carcinogenic and no amount of exposure is safe. Companies that mine and sell asbestos claim that chrysotile is more safe than other forms of the mineral, because it's tightly packaged and non-friable.

Although this type of asbestos is less hazardous than amphibole asbestos but it is nevertheless a danger to handle. Chrysotile is among the most commonly mined asbestos, and it is the one responsible for the majority of mesothelioma cases in the world. Chrysotile is a brown or golden yellow fibrous mineral that looks like threads and feels soft to the touch. When examined with electron microscopy the fibres appear more like tubes. They are actually a combination of structural layers of the minerals formed into spirals.

Chrysotile is known to trigger numerous diseases, including pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer. It has been linked to cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal issues. Those who work with chrysotile, are particularly susceptible to developing these ailments because they have prolonged contact with the mineral. Those who work in construction and automobile repair are most likely to come across Chrysotile asbestos since it was once a popular. It is often found in older buildings and vehicles.

Amosite

There are six kinds of naturally occurring silicate fibrous minerals that have been used to make asbestos. Each mineral has a distinct 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 claim) as well as crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite and tremolite.

Chrysotile asbestos is the most common form of asbestos in the United States. Numerous homes and businesses have it on their walls, roofs, and floors. It was also used for gaskets, thermal insulation, and boiler seals in automobiles. Other common asbestos products that contain chrysotile are shingles as well as cement sheets and pipe insulation.

All types of asbestos are harmful when inhaled. The exposure to any form of asbestos can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other disorders of the pleura. Inhalation is the most frequent route of exposure to asbestos, but it can also occur while handling or working with the asbestos fibres. Exposure to asbestos is especially hazardous when materials are fragile. This means that they are susceptible to crumbling easily and then become dust particles that can be blown into the air.

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

The most common method to expose workers to asbestos is through working with or removing it. Asbestos is a very fine, crystallized material that releases dust into the air when crushed or sanded. When asbestos is swept up or vacuumed it can release tiny fibres into the air. This is because a sweeping process can cause the fibres to break apart when vacuuming them, while causing them to stick to surfaces.

Crocidolite

Unlike the serpentine asbestos (chrysotile) the amphibole asbestos has long straight chain-like fibres, which are brittle and more dangerous when inhaled. Crocidolite amosite, tremolite, and crocidolite are the most commonly used forms of amphibole. Other types include anthophyllite, actinolite and. These asbestos types are typically found in natural deposits along with chrysotile asbestos. It is believed that these other asbestos minerals are contaminants in crocidolite deposits, and could be mixed with the chrysotile asbestos in the deposit.

Asbestos is utilized in a variety of items including asbestos cement pipes and sheets and friction materials used in car brakes, gaskets and coatings. The fibres can be woven into fabrics, paper, mastics or threads, or bound with Portland cement resins or plastics. The size and length of the fibres determines the best application. The shorter fibres are typically employed in electrical insulation, textiles and filters. 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, but the conclusions are not conclusive due to the lack of literature. In general the risk of developing stomach cancer is seen to increase as the cumulative exposure to asbestos increases. The effect is reduced when the time period from the initial exposure is considered.

Other forms of asbestos are implicated in the development of mesothelioma (a malignant tumour affecting the abdominal lining and chest). It has been found that children who are exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma compared to adults. The reasons behind this are not understood.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the most common asbestos-related illness. It can be caused by exposure to asbestos and is generally more serious than other types of asbestos-related diseases. It can affect the lungs, and, occasionally, other organs like the heart or stomach. It may also cause mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos belongs to a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. It is found in a variety of different products. It was once widely used in construction but has now been banned because of its negative effects.

Most people are not affected by the low levels of asbestos in the air. People who do develop illness are often exposed to asbestos regularly during a specific job and for a long amount of time. The most common jobs that require asbestos include mining, shipbuilding and construction. In recent years, government regulations have reduced the use of asbestos, and it is now present in fewer buildings. However, it is still present in older household products like crayons and toys for kids.

All forms of asbestos could cause lung ailments such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other illnesses. Chrysotile is the most well-known form of asbestos. Other types of asbestos are amphibole and crocidolite.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they release microscopic fibres that become airborne and are inhaled. These fibres may get caught in the lungs when inhaled. The asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. This can result in lung cancer mesothelioma and other illnesses that can take years to develop. Smoking cigarettes and having a family background of asbestos-related illnesses are other factors that increase the risk of developing.

Mesothelioma

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

The mesothelium is the lining which protects organs. Mesothelioma is most often affecting the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). In some instances it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium mesothelioma) or testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma).

Asbestos workers are more likely to develop mesothelioma owing to exposure to asbestos at work. However, the family members of asbestos workers are also at risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be difficult recognize because symptoms aren't specific and frequently resemble symptoms of more common diseases. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed and patients may not receive the treatment they require.

A diagnosis of mesothelioma begins with visiting your doctor. The doctor will inquire about your medical history including any asbestos exposure. This will help them determine if you are at a higher risk for the disease.

Your doctor will determine what type of mesothelioma that you have once a mesothelioma is diagnosed. Pleural mesothelioma (the most prevalent type of the disease, accounts for approximately 80 percent of mesothelioma cases every year. Other types include peritoneal as well as rare biphasic mesothelioma which contains epithelioid aswell as sarcomatoid cancer cells. The type of mesothelioma can aid your doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment options for you. Based on the location you live in and the type of mesothelioma you have, treatment can help increase the chances of survival.