Asbestos

Asbestos is found naturally in the environment.  This fact, however, does not mean that it is good for your body.  There are 6 different kinds of asbestos, all of which are mined.  Although it is a well know fact that asbestos is extremely dangerous, there are a few countries still allowing the mining of asbestos today since the products made with asbestos are strong, flexible and inexpensive.  Of the 6 different types of asbestos, 3 are commonly found and used in the world.

Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, comes mostly from Canada.  This is also the most common form of asbestos.  It was commonly used for industrial materials like insulation and ship building supplies.  Even though this form of asbestos is the least deadly, it can still cause very serious medical conditions such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

The second type of asbestos is brown asbestos or amosite.  Found in Africa, amosite rocks are slightly more dangerous than white asbestos.  However, the 3rd type of asbestos, blue asbestos, or crocidolite, is much more dangerous.  Also found in Africa, along with a few other locations, it is fairly rare and extremely dangerous because of its sharp fibers.

The fibers of asbestos fill the air surrounding asbestos products and they are what cause it to be so dangerous.  When these fibers are swallowed, or breathed in, they embed in the tissues of the linings of the lungs and digestive system, sometimes the heart.  Before people knew of the dangers of asbestos, however, it was used to make a variety of products which were commonly found in the home.

The use of asbestos is highly regulated today which means there are less people getting sick from asbestos exposure, but many cases are still reported due to past exposure.  If you were a part of the construction industry in the past, or if the home you live in is older, it is a good idea to get checked for asbestos exposure.