Asbestos: Anthophyllite
One of the forms of the mineral anthophyllite is used as asbestos. A yellow or brown fibrous mineral found in Europe, Asia and the United States, anthophyllite is mined in the U.S. mostly at sites in:
- Pennsylvania
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- North Carolina
- Montana
Formed When Talc Breaks Down
Anthophyllite is formed when talc (another mineral) breaks down. In fact, in decades past, anthophyllite was sometimes an ingredient in talcum powder, a cosmetic product that is used to prevent rashes and chaffing of the skin. In the U.S., anthophyllite was also an ingredient in many paint and sealant products. An example is Glidden's "Ultra Hide Stain Jammer," which was used for both exteriors and interiors of many buildings.
Because anthophyllite asbestos has been used in various products such as talcum powder and paint products, thousands of American consumers have been exposed to the toxin in their place of work, their school or even in their home.
Anthophyllite Is Carcinogenic
As is true of all types of asbestos, anthophyllite is carcinogenic, meaning exposure to a high enough level of anthophyllite can cause cancer in humans and other mammals. One study of anthophyllite workers in Finland, for instance, found that their death rate from mesothelioma (a rare for of cancer that is directly linked to asbestos exposure) was significantly higher than that among the general population.
The form of anthophyllite that is used as asbestos is fibrous and lamellar (made of thin layers). When these fibers are airborne, they may be inhaled by humans in the immediate vicinity unbeknownst to them. After a period of time, the fibers accumulate in the body’s vital organs and cause irritation which can lead to many types of asbestos diseases including lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer and mesothelioma cancer.
Find Out More about Anthophyllite Exposure Risks
If a diagnosis of an asbestos disease has befallen you or a member of your family, it is important for you to learn about the sources and causes, as you will most likely qualify to recover compensation for your physical, emotional and financial losses. For more information, please contact the Mesothelioma Treatment Center today.
