The commercial production of amosite, or “brown” asbestos, ended within the last decade and this type of asbestos is no longer mined. It was at one time, however, the second-most commonly used form of asbestos and, as a result, many individuals were exposed to it during its peak use. Amosite was employed as insulation in factories and buildings, as well as both an acoustical and anti-condensation material. Its use has been banned in most countries for approximately the last 30 years.

The most common type of asbestos, and only kind that is still mined, chrysotile was the most widely used in the world’s developed countries. Estimates show about 90-95% of all asbestos that remains in buildings is of this variety. Because it was so widely used, it accounts for the most health problems. Chrysotile is most often used in fireproofing and insulation products and was widely used aboard Navy ships during World War II and the Korean War.

As an amphibole variety of asbestos fiber, tremolite asbestos is associated with the development of malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers. Like other varieties of asbestos, tremolite asbestos is composed predominantly of magnesium and can range from off-white to a dark green in color. Tremolite is particularly common in vermiculite deposits. Tremolite-contaminated vermiculite was responsible for the death of hundreds of miners in Libby, Montana who worked at the W.R. Grace Vermiculite Mine.

Crocidolite asbestos accounted for about 4% of all asbestos once used.  Crocidolite occurs in naturally-formed bundles that are long, sharp, and straight. This “blue” asbestos is harder and more brittle than other types of the mineral and can break easily, releasing dangerous needle-like fibers that are easily inhaled. Crocidolite, without a doubt, is the most lethal form of asbestos. It was often used in making yarns and rope lagging, and as a reinforcement material for plastics.

Anthophyllite asbestos, also known as “brown” asbestos, is composed predominantly of iron and magnesium. Its fibers are known to be long and flexible. Of the amphibole subclass, brown asbestos can be found in many talc mines and has been associated with some respiratory disorders. It is not conclusively associated with mesothelioma as other varieties of asbestos are. Because of its rarity, anthophyllite was not often used in consumer products, but could be found in some cement products and insulating materials.

Actinolite asbestos is a variety of the subclassification of amphibole asbestos and, as such, its makeup and consistency is similar to other forms of this subset. Made predominantly of magnesium, actinolite asbestos is extremely rare and ranges in color from white to dark brown. Actinolite was not known to be used in asbestos products because of its rarity, but is known to be found in metamorphic rock. As with all forms of asbestos, actinolite is a known carcinogen that can cause mesothelioma cancer.

Asbestos was handled haphazardly for decades. Many people that encountered it on a daily basis while on the job were totally unaware of its toxicity; thus, no protective gear was worn to prevent inhalation. Furthermore, some employers who knew of the dangers of asbestos may not have shared this information with employees, allowing for asbestos contamination to become widespread—especially during the peak years of asbestos use from the 1930s through the end of the 1970s.

Today, however, there are strict guidelines governing the handling of asbestos. Those individuals who do not follow these rules are subject to fines and even imprisonment, depending on the extent of the mishandling. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has put these guidelines in place to protect not only those who handle asbestos as part of their job, but anyone else who may encounter the material at home, in school, in a commercial building, or elsewhere.

Although the use of asbestos in Ireland was essentially halted in the late 1980s, this toxic mineral has continued to have a real impact on the country during the last 30 years. The lives of many individuals have been adversely affected by previous asbestos exposure and this mineral can still be found throughout the country, particularly in old homes, factories, and commercial buildings. This continued presence of asbestos means that it is likely that more individuals will be impacted by the mineral in the years to come.