What is tremolite asbestos?

The fibrous form of tremolite is one of the six recognised types of asbestos. This material is toxic, and inhaling the fibers can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer and both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.

Is actinolite toxic?

Longer, thinner fibers are more toxic because they are not cleared by AMs and therefore persist in the lung. Fibers longer than approximately 15 μm are particularly toxic and bioactive.

Where are tremolite found?

Where is Tremolite Found? Outside of the United States, tremolite was primarily mined in South Africa and India. In South Africa, it was extensively mined in the beginning of the 20th century, but it became secondary to the mining of amosite and crocidolite.

Where is actinolite found?

metamorphic rocks
Actinolite is commonly found in metamorphic rocks, such as contact aureoles surrounding cooled intrusive igneous rocks. It also occurs as a product of metamorphism of magnesium-rich limestones.

Is tremolite and actinolite asbestos only an indicator contaminant?

Further complicating matters is the possibility suggested by some studies that the tremolite and actinolite asbestos is only an “indicator contaminant” and that the health risk is associated with or increased with several co-existing non-asbestos and quasi-asbestos minerals including winchite, reibeckite and/or richterite (“quasi-asbestiforms”).

What is the difference between asbestos and quasi-asbestiforms?

The type (s) of asbestos and quasi-asbestiforms found in vermiculite are trace contaminants that are somewhat different from other types of asbestos. Because these types of asbestos were uncommon and not well studied when asbestos regulation came out, these minerals were not regulated any differently that the more common forms of asbestos.

What is amosite asbestos?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency determined amosite, or “brown asbestos,” to be the second most commonly used type of asbestos in the United States. In its natural state, amosite is known as grunerite, and it was mainly mined in South Africa.

What is chrysotile asbestos?

Chrysotile (white asbestos) is the most commonly used form of asbestos and can be found today in the roofs, ceilings, walls and floors of homes and businesses.