What is Asbentos?

In its natural state, asbestos is commonly a white, brown, or blue fibrous mineral that has many practical applications, but is also a potent and deadly carcinogen. There are six different varieties of asbestos, but the three most common are:

Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, originates in Canada. It is from a “serpentine” rock, which means its fibers are curled and less sharp, pose fewer threats than other types of asbestos and is the type most often used industrially.

Amosite, is called brown asbestos, is an “amphibole” from Africa. Amphibole rocks have long, jagged, needle like fibers that are considerably dangerous if inhaled.

Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, is an amphibole rock found in Africa and Australia. Blue asbestos is commonly considered the most dangerous type of asbestos.
The other three forms of asbestos are tremolite, actinolite and anthophyllite, which have limited industrial use but are nevertheless found in certain consumer products, such as talcum powder and vermiculite.


Asbestos was one of the world’s most valuable resources for thousands of years. Praised for its versatility, strength, and durability, asbestos was used in many products such as lamp wicks, insulation and clothing. Only in the 20th century, as medical technology became more sophisticated, did doctors finally understand the affect it had on the human body. The great tragedy was that millions of people were exposed to thousands of deadly products, and a great deal of damage was already done by the time use was regulated in the 1970s.

Once the dangers of asbestos became more accepted, many responsible government agencies sought to limit or bad the use of asbestos and regulate asbestos exposure. The United States Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for monitoring asbestos levels in workplaces and communities, and has banned the use of asbestos in new products since 1989. Unfortunately, growing industrial nations such as China and India have no regulations regarding this dangerous substance, and continue to use it extensively in products and construction. If you have been exposed to these dangerous minerals in the past, it is important to contact your doctor immediately, for early diagnosis of asbestos-related conditions increases the chances of survival.

Source : http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com