For a long time, a class of mineral fibers collectively
known as "asbestos" was popularly used in industries
ranging from shipbuilding to construction to textile
production. Asbestos owed its popularity to its exceptional
physical properties - heat and fire resistance, acid
resistance, and general durability. It was not until the
later 20th century that the downside of asbestos usage came
to light: the popular material was linked to serious
respiratory problems, including lung scarring, lung cancer,
and mesothelioma.
In response to these health hazards, the use of asbestos
became heavily regulated, and the term "asbestos" became a
buzz-word in the national and international consciousness.
The word "asbestos" is actually somewhat deceptive, in that
it refers not to a single substance, but is actually the
designation for a class of mineral fibers which share
similar characteristics. Asbestos can be divided into
several subtypes. Two of the most important are called
"amphibole" and "chrysotile."
Amphibole Asbestos
Amphibole asbestos is a subset of asbestos fibers
consisting of straight, needle-like filaments with
particularly high iron content. As such, it is highly
resistant to both heat and chemicals, and was valued for
these properties. Amphibole asbestos was extensively used
in the production of furnace and stoves, as well as being
used for insulation in heating systems.
Later studies, however, found that amphibole asbestos had
several characteristics which made it especially hazardous
to one's health. For example, amphibole asbestos is more
easily "friable," or broken up, than some other types of
asbestos, making it more likely that fibers will be
dispersed into the air, and subsequently inhaled. Other
studies demonstrated that, once amphibole asbestos enters
the lungs, it is more likely to remain there for long
periods of time, causing scarring, asbestosis, and
mesothelioma. Because of the high risk posed by amphibole
asbestos, it has been virtually replaced by other types of
asbestos in modern industry, although it may still be found
in older products and buildings.
Chrysotile Asbestos
Chrysotile asbestos is described as unique among asbestos
fibers because of its white color and serpentine, not
straight, appearance. Unlike amphibole asbestos, chrysotile
asbestos is much less friable, and thus, much less likely
to enter the lungs. Because it is deemed to be a "safer"
form of asbestos, chrysotile fibers are the most widely
used form of asbestos today. In fact, this type of asbestos
accounts for approximately 90% of all the asbestos used by
US industries today. That is not to say, of course, that
chrysotile asbestos is harmless, only that it carries a
smaller risk than other types of asbestos.
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Joe Devine
For more information, visit http://www.mesolawsuit.com .
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