Types of Asbestos
All six kinds of asbestos naturally form bundles of durable and thin fibres. They are resistant against heat, chemicals, fire and electrical conductivity. They also have outstanding wear and tensile strength. Asbestos can be found in a variety of products including floor tiles, insulation paint, as well as heat-resistant fabric.
Chrysotile
Before it was banned in 1980 Chrysotile (also known as white asbestos) was the most widely used form of the mineral. It was utilized because it was fireproof, affordable and durable. It was found to be extremely harmful and linked to mesothelioma-related diseases. While some countries continue to employ asbestos, a complete global ban is required now.
Health care professionals continue to warn that all kinds of asbestos, including chrysotile are carcinogenic and any amount of exposure is safe. Companies that mine and sell asbestos claim that chrysotile's safety is better than other versions of the mineral because it is tightly packed and non-friable.
While this form of asbestos is less dangerous than amphibole asbestos, it's still a risk to handle. Chrysotile asbestos is the most commonly used kind of asbestos mined and is responsible for the majority mesothelioma cancer cases in the world. Chrysotile is a golden or brown yellow fibrous mineral which appears like threads and is soft to the touch. Under an electron microscope the fibres look more like tubes and are a combination of structural layers of the mineral, rolled in spiral form.
Chrysotile is known to cause various illnesses, such as pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer. It has also been linked to digestive problems and cardiovascular disease. Those who work with chrysotile are particularly at risk for developing these diseases because they are frequently in contact with the mineral. Construction workers and repair of vehicles are the most likely to encounter Chrysotile asbestos because it was once very popular. It is often found in older vehicles and homes.
Amosite
There are six kinds of naturally occurring silicate fibrous minerals that have been used as asbestos. Each mineral has its unique chemical composition and properties however, all six are associated with increased risk of mesothelioma. They include amphibole, serpentine minerals chrysotile, the crocidolite (white asbestos) amosite (white asbestos), tremolite anthophyllite, and tremolite.
Chrysotile asbestos is the most well-known form of asbestos in the United States. It is still found today in the roofs, walls and floors of many businesses and homes. It was also used for gaskets, thermal insulation, and boiler seals in automobiles. Other common asbestos products that contain chrysotile are shingles or cement sheets as well as pipe insulation.
All forms of asbestos pose dangers if inhaled. Exposure to any form of asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other lung diseases. Exposure to asbestos is commonly caused by inhalation, however, it can also be caused by handling or working with fibres. The risk of exposure is particularly high when the materials are brittle which means they can break easily and are able to be blown into the air as dust particles.
Friability is a function length and thickness of the fibers. Thicker and longer fibres will be more likely to penetrate deep into the lungs, whereas thinner and shorter fibres are less likely to do this.
The most frequent method to expose workers to asbestos is through handling or removing it. This is due to asbestos being a fine material and can be released into the air as dust after it is crushed or sanded. When asbestos is swept or vacuumed, it may release small fibres into the air. This is because sweeping can cause fibres to break up and vacuuming causes them to stick to surfaces.
Crocidolite
As opposed to serpentine asbestos (chrysotile), the amphibole asbestos is composed of long, straight chain-like fibres, which are more brittle and dangerous when inhaled. Crocidolite amosite, tremolite, and crocidolite are the most common forms of amphibole. Other forms include actinolite or anthophyllite. These types of asbestos can be found in natural deposits with the chrysotile. These other asbestos minerals may be contaminants in crocidolite and mixed with chrysotile within the deposit.
Asbestos is found in a variety of products, such as asbestos cement pipe sheets, sheets, friction materials used for coatings, brakes, and gaskets. The fibres are made into fabric, paper, thread, mastics or bound with Portland Cement, resins, or plastics. The length and size of the fibres will determine which is the best application. The shorter fibres are usually used in textiles, electrical insulation and filters; while the longer fibres are employed in asbestos cement pipes, sheets and flooring.
Numerous studies have proven the connection between asbestos exposure and stomach cancer. The results of these studies differ however the conclusions are influenced by the limited literature on this topic. In general the risk of stomach cancer is likely to increase as the cumulative exposure to asbestos increases. However, the effect is diminished when consideration of latency in the time since first exposure is taken into consideration.
Other forms of asbestos have been implicated in the formation of mesothelioma, a malignant tumor that affects the abdomen and chest (Mesothelioma). Children who have been exposed to asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma. scranton asbestos attorney for this are unknown.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most frequently-assuaged ailments caused by asbestos. It is caused by exposure to asbestos over a prolonged period of time and is more severe than any other asbestos disease. It affects the lungs, and occasionally other organs, such as the heart, stomach and bladder. It can also cause mesothelioma, an uncommon cancer that affects the lungs lining.
Asbestos belongs to a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. It was widely used in construction and is found in a variety of different products.
Most people do not get sick from a small amount of asbestos in the air. However, those that get sick are typically exposed regularly to asbestos in a specific job, and usually for a prolonged period of time. The heaviest exposures tend to be found in occupations such as mining, shipbuilding, construction and insulation. In recent years, government regulations helped to limit the use and prevalence of asbestos in construction sites. Some older household products like crayons, toys for children and even crayons, still contain asbestos.
All types of asbestos are carcinogenic and can cause lung ailments such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and other diseases. Chrysotile asbestos is the most commonly recognised kind of asbestos. Other asbestos types include amphibole and crocidolite.
When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed microscopically, tiny fibres are released into the air and can be inhaled. These fibres may get caught in the lungs after inhalation. Asbestos fibres can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. This could result in lung carcinoma mesothelioma and other conditions that can take years to develop. Other factors that increase the likelihood of developing an asbestos-related illness include smoking cigarettes and having an ancestor with the condition.
Mesothelioma
When asbestos is used for the production of insulation or in the construction of homes it releases tiny asbestos fibers into the air. The fibers are later inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems like mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can be described as a cancer that occurs in the organ's lining known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining and abdomen. In certain cases it can also occur 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. Mesothelioma can also be a problem for family members of asbestos workers. It is often difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the symptoms aren't distinct and frequently resemble those of other diseases. This is why mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed and victims may not receive the treatment they require.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma begins with an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and any asbestos exposure. This will help them determine if your likelihood of developing the disease is greater.
Your doctor will determine what type of mesothelioma you suffer from when a mesothelioma diagnosis is made. Pleural mesothelioma, the most commonly diagnosed type of this disease, accounts for about 80% of mesothelioma diagnosis every year. Other types include peritoneal as well as rare biphasic mesothelioma, which has epithelioid aswell as sarcomatoid cancer cells. The type of mesothelioma you have will aid your doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment options for you. Treatment may increase your chance of survival, based on the nature and location of mesothelioma.