Different Types Of Asbestos And Their Harmful Effects

Posted by Michael Griffin on August 22nd, 2019

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate fiber mineral. There are six different types of asbestos which are generally divided into two categories based on their structure. It was widely used in the construction and manufacturing industries between the late 20th century and the late 21st century for its ability to resist fire, heat, electricity and other chemicals until its harmful effects to the respiratory system became more apparent. It is still used in construction and manufacturing but with major restrictions in the US. Industrial asbestosis removal in Colorado Springs may be needed before renovations, demolition or if the levels of this material are very high.

Different Types Of Asbestos:

Regardless of their category, all asbestos fibers are hazardous and should be avoided and removed if possible. There are six types of silicate fibers which are categorized into two basic categories: 

• Serpentine: These fibers are long and curly in appearance. Chrysotile is the only serpentine asbestos found. Also called white asbestos for its white color, it is the most widely used asbestos variety throughout the world, accounting for 90 to 95 percent in the US alone. This was due to its flexible nature which made it easy to mix and merge with different materials and weave fire-resistant fabrics out of it. It is also resistant to electricity and heat. It was widely used in construction, pipes, car brakes, boiler lining, cement, floor tiles, fuse boxes, etc.

• Amphibole: These fibers are straight need-like and brittle. These properties made amphibole asbestos less desirable than the serpentine ones but were still widely used in construction and manufacturing. There are five types of amphibole asbestos: amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. Amosite or brown asbestos is widely mined in Africa and used in cement, electrical insulation, insulation sheet and thermal insulation due to its strength and resistance to heat. Crocidolite or blue asbestos is a long and sharp material. It is the most brittle of the six and gets stuck in the lungs easily making it the most dangerous. Found as creamy white or dark green fibers, tremolites is not mined but is a contaminant for other mines and is linked with mesothelioma. It is found in paint, sealants and talcum powder Actinolite looks similar to tremolite and is used in paint, sealant, and plasterboards due to its insulating and fireproof properties. Anthophyllite or grey-brown asbestos is not mined commercially but contaminates other mines. It’s often found in flooring and talcum powder. Tremolites and anthophyllite are also linked with environmental asbestos exposure.

Harmful Effects Of Asbestos

Asbestos breaks down into thin invisible particles very easily which can be inhaled through the air or swallowed by contaminated food and water. It is linked with various cancers like lung, larynx, pharynx, ovaries, stomach and colorectal. It is the most common cause of mesothelioma or the cancer of membranes covering the chest cavity and various internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of asbestosis or scarring of the lung membrane. It also damages the pleura, i.e. the chest cavity’s membrane, causes various pleural diseases like pleural fibrosis, pleural plaques, pleural effusion, and folded lungs.

Both of them are chronic diseases. Asbestos is also linked with various chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and a weak immune system. Symptoms usually take years of asbestos exposure to develop and include shortness of breath, chest pain, dry cough and fever among many others. Once inhaled, asbestos cannot be removed but one can avoid developing these diseases by avoiding further asbestos exposure.

Avoiding Asbestos

If you suspect that your house or building may have asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) you can have it sampled and get industrial asbestos removal in Colorado Springs done. You should also get yourself and your loved ones scanned if you suspect asbestos exposure. Protective gear should be worn by people whose work involves exposure to the fibers. Smokers are especially vulnerable and should quit cigarettes.