Asbestos Fibers: Types and Alternative

Asbestos fibers is popular for its strength, resistance to chemicals and hear, flexibility, and its low electrical conductivity. The compositions of this material are oxygen, silicon, hydrogen, and various metals. This material is divided into two groups, amphibole and serpentine. The physical characteristics of these two are different. Serpentine comes in tiered or layered form, while asbestos comes in chain-like structure. Once the material is put into a product, it needs examination and microscopic analysis to know whether or not asbestos are in a product. This fiber is hazardous for human health. 

Types of Asbestos

There are some common types of asbestos we can find today. We have Amosite which has brown color and straight fibers form. This asbestos contains magnesium and iron and are used in different types of insulation product. United States makes this material become the second most used asbestos. We also have Chrysotile which is the most dangerous form of asbestos we have. Yet, this type is the most common asbestos to use in the world. The form is white, long, and curly.

The third type of asbestos is crocidolite, which comes in blue and straight fibers. Due to its physical properties, it is known as the most dangerous asbestos found. It consists of magnesium, iron, and also silicate. Tremolite is the fourth type we have. It comes in various colors, green, white, gray, and brown. It is not mined, but it is contained in other minerals like talc, vermiculite, and chrysotile.

Another type is Anthophyllite which is similar with tremolite asbestos. It is not mined, and not be used for commercial use. Yet, you can find this asbestos inside talc and vermiculite. The last type we have is Actinolite which comes as dark green crystal. It is similar with anthophyllite and tremolite which only can be found as a contaminate within asbestos products. These asbestos fibers can be found in children’s toys, sealants, paints, and many more.

Alternatives
All of the types of asbestos are carcinogens, which means that it can trigger cancer, especially lung cancer. It is clinically proven to be hazardous for human body. Thus, some manufacturers try to use another alternative to substitute asbestos. The common materials to use are polyurethane foam, amorphous silica fabric, flour fillers, thermoset plastic flour, and cellulose fiber. The polyurethane foam comes in spray form. This material is widely use for commercial benefits. It is affordable and more value than another alternative we have for asbestos fibers.

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