6 types of asbestos that you should know

Asbestos is a group of minerals that are usually generated from mining, natural materials. Initially asbestos is also known as Magic Mineral because it has properties that are resistant to heat, pervasive voice, and a variety of other chemicals. In addition, asbestos has the best fire protection properties. This makes asbestos commonly used in various fields of industry, construction, housing, and others. Many developing countries are using asbestos in all areas. One of the developing countries that still actively use asbestos is the United States. Although its use is not in total.

In general, asbestos is a collection of six natural silicate mineral and belong to the serpentine and amphibole. Including chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, tremolite, actinolite and anthophyllite. For more details on all of the six types of asbestos, please see this explanation below.

See also: Secondary risk factors cause of mesothelioma

Chrysotile

Chrysotile asbestos is the mineral most commonly used, especially in developing countries like the United States. Approximately 90% chrysotile has been used in the industry. Chrysotile is often referred to as white asbestos, has curly fibers, and longer than other types of asbestos. Chrysotile rise to various opinions from many parties. There are those who say chrysotile not harmful, but research has shown that chrysotile asbestos risk remains dangerous.

Amosite

Amosite asbestos known as brown with short fibers and more straight, if compared with chrysotile asbestos. Amosite are commonly found in South Africa and is more often used in the construction field. Although the consumer is not an area of ​​chrysotile, but these types, including asbestos most toxic than other types. Penggunannya been banned since 1980 because it is very dangerous.

Crocidolite

Crocidolite known as blue asbestos, because the color blue. Form of fiber is so thin and so it can easily fit into the human body. Crocidolite including that most dangerous of all types of asbestos. Just like types of asbestos amosite, penggunannya has been banned since 1980.

See also: History of asbestos presence

Tremolite

Tremolite is one of the mineral  asbestos with white and gray colors. Tremolite is not widely used in industry. But it still can be found in the fields of construction and home insulation. In America this type have contaminated about 35 million homes for use as insulation materials home. Additionally, tremolite has caused many cases of cancers, including malignant mesothelioma.

Anthophyllite

Anthophyllite is a mineral of the group hornblende. These minerals are rarely used in any field compared to all other asbestos  types. Additionally, anthophyllite generally be found in mining areas, such as in the state of North Carolina, Finland, and Georgia.

Actinolite

Actinolite is one of the minerals amphibole group. This mineral has a form of fiber that is straight and dark. Actinolite asbestos use is usually mixed with vermiculite to make home insulation. In general, actinolite used in industrial environment and housing