FAQs

Asbestos is dangerous primarily due to the health risks associated with its microscopic fibers. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or deteriorate, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. Inhalation or ingestion of these fibers can lead to severe health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The fibers are extremely durable and can remain in the lungs for years or even decades, causing chronic inflammation and scarring. What makes asbestos particularly hazardous is its long latency period, as symptoms may not manifest until many years after exposure, making detection and treatment challenging. Asbestos-related diseases are often incurable and can be fatal, underscoring the critical importance of prevention, proper handling, and safe removal practices to protect public health.

Asbestos is a term used to describe a group of naturally occurring minerals composed of thin, microscopic fibers. There are six types of asbestos minerals, which are categorized into two mineral groups:

1. Serpentine Asbestos:
   • Chrysotile: Also known as white asbestos, chrysotile is the most commonly used type of asbestos. It has long, curly fibers and is more flexible than other asbestos types. Chrysotile accounts for approximately 95% of asbestos used in commercial applications.
2. Amphibole Asbestos:
   • Amosite: Known as brown asbestos, amosite has straight, needle-like fibers. It was commonly used in construction materials and insulation products.
   • Crocidolite: Referred to as blue asbestos, crocidolite has thin, sharp fibers. It is the most hazardous type of asbestos and was primarily used in specialized applications, such as steam engines and chemical industry equipment.
   • Tremolite: Tremolite asbestos is not mined commercially but can be found as a contaminant in other minerals. It has a range of colors from white to dark green.
   • Actinolite: Actinolite asbestos is also a contaminant and has similar properties to tremolite. It can be found in construction materials and other minerals.
   • Anthophyllite: Anthophyllite asbestos is the least common type and is rarely used commercially. It can be found as a contaminant in other minerals.

Among the six types, chrysotile is the most commonly used and widely available, while the amphibole asbestos types (amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite and anthophyllite) are generally considered more hazardous due to their needle-like fibers, which are more easily inhaled and can cause severe health issues.

It is crucial to note that asbestos use has been significantly restricted and banned in many countries due to its health risks, and safer alternatives are used in various applications today. Nevertheless, existing asbestos-containing materials still pose a risk if not handled and removed properly.

Asbestos becomes dangerous when its microscopic fibers are released into the air and subsequently inhaled or ingested by individuals. Once airborne, these fibers can enter the respiratory system and become trapped in the lungs or other organs, causing severe health risks. Prolonged or repeated exposure to asbestos can lead to serious diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The latency period of these illnesses, often spanning decades, makes detection and diagnosis challenging. Due to its health hazards, asbestos use has been heavily regulated or banned in many countries. Proper handling and management of asbestos-containing materials are critical to preventing fiber release and safeguarding human health.