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Anthophyllite

One of the lesser-known types of asbestos, the amphibole mineral anthophyllite is typically a yellow or brown, fibrous mineral. In its naturally occurring environment, anthophyllite develops in the form of massive, shapeless crystals, sometimes marked with streaks of gray that exude a pearly luster. Anthophyllite is formed when the mineral talc breaks down in the presence of carbon dioxide and water, and for this reason it can be found in many of the same mines where talc is located, such as in Europe, Asia, across the United States, and at localities where other types of asbestos can be found. Like other amphibole minerals, anthophyllite is composed of magnesium and iron; in addition, it also contains silicon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Like other forms of asbestos, anthophyllite poses a serious health threat. Several decades ago, health authorities and scientists confirmed anthophyllite is a human carcinogen. When people come into contact with anthophyllite asbestos and inhale or ingest its fibers, the fibers have the potential to become lodged in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, heart, abdomen, or testicles. The fibers can eventually lead to the development of lung cancer, mesothelioma cancer, and other life-threatening cancers and illnesses.

The results of a study conducted in 1994 serve as evidence that anthophyllite may, in some cases of affliction, serve as the exclusive cause of mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the mesothelial lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart (and in very rare instances, the testicles). For this study, scientists observed 999 Finnish anthophyllite workers over a period of many years. Up until 1991, more than 500 of these workers had died, and scientists confirmed that at least four of these deaths were caused by mesothelioma. It should be noted that all four of the victims of mesothelioma were smokers, a factor known to greatly increase one's likelihood of developing cancer after exposure to anthophyllite and other forms of asbestos.

The extent of harm caused by anthophyllite reaches far beyond the Finnish miners who died after years of exposure. Although anthophyllite was considered too brittle for use in high-friction applications such as brake pads, anthophyllite was used in many common products used in the United States, especially in paint and sealants. One such product was manufactured by the Glidden Company and was called the Glidden Ultra Hide Stain Jammer, an oil-based primer and sealant ideal for both interior and exterior applications. Asbestos-containing products such as these may have exposed thousands of American consumers and workers to anthophyllite asbestos.

In addition to being intentionally used in a number of popular consumer products, anthophyllite has also been a common contaminant in talc, the mineral from which this deadly material is derived. According to studies, anthophyllite is formed when high temperatures are sustained, which destabilizes the talc mineral and causes it to disintegrate. The geologic link between these two minerals serves as an explanation of the occasional (less common today than three decades ago) contamination of talc with anthophyllite asbestos, which has been observed in scientific studies of talc at a weight as low as 2 percent of the total mineral weight. Because talcum powders and other products made from talc may contain anthophyllite asbestos, thousands of consumers - including countless infants and children - may have been exposed to anthophyllite, which is known to cause serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Individuals living various lifestyles and working in a slew of occupations may have been exposed, from painters to construction workers to shipyard workers, just to name a few. Those who have worked with or otherwise used asbestos-containing products such as those described above may have been exposed to anthophyllite asbestos. Additionally, those who believe they may be at risk for developing an asbestos-related illness should contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. A mesothelioma lawyer can help answer any questions about anthophyllite and other forms of asbestos, as well as offer information on the legal options available to victims of asbestos exposure.

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