Asbestos Minerals
Asbestos (part of the serpentine mineral group) is found as a natural mineral and it can come in different types, each of them used for different purposes. Asbestos is known for its’ heat resistance, characteristic needed in many factories and products.
What are asbestos Minerals
Asbestos exposure minerals are found under the form of flexible fibers (similar to long, thin needles in appearance when viewed under a microscope). Pictures of asbestos minerals show a blue colored rock. Other asbestos types are brown or white.
Among medical experts asbestos minerals are known as a cause of many asbestos related diseases. Naturally occurring asbestos exposure minerals has been mined since the early 1800’ world wide, and since then people that were working in mining facilities have been known to become ill after a number of years. The thin sheet mineral silicate used for chemical experiments contained a high dose of asbestos fibers. These sheets were used to place glass tubes or cylinders while being heated. This sort of materials is still in use today, but scientists managed to maintain the products’ heat resistance characteristics while lowering the content of asbestos.
Asbestos uses
Asbestos minerals reach the thoracic cavity and lungs easily, because of the side variety of uses:
- Sound proofing
- Thermal insulation
- Textiles and special clothing materials
- Paper Products
- Asbestos concrete
- Electrical uses
Asbestos information is clear about every detail. The mineral is the main cause of mesothelioma and other severe asbestos related diseases. Many countries have tried to ban the use of asbestos, but factories and mining facilities that depended on asbestos for a profit have managed to talk the respective governments to allow them to produce industrial materials with the use of asbestos, and only stopping the production of home consumer goods.
Asbestos types
Here is a list of asbestos types commonly encountered in products or manufacturing processes:
- Asbestos Chrysotile (the most common form of the mineral)
- Asbestos Amosite (second most dangerous asbestos type)
- Asbestos Crocidolite (the least common asbestos type)
- Asbestos Anthophyllite(used to stop rashes and other skin problems)
- Asbestos Tremolite (causes severe breathing problems and mesothelioma)
- Asbestos Actinolite (has the tiniest fibers that can easily embed themselves in human tissue)
Please feel free to contact asbestos cancer organization if you need further information about asbestos. We will provide with the most accurate information available, and it is completely free.