Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once commonly used in many industrial, commercial, and military applications for its heat-resistant properties. Sadly, the substance is also causally related to developing mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer that typically affects the thin lining of tissue surrounding the lungs and abdomen.
Despite what many asbestos-industry advocates purported throughout the years, there is no safe or acceptable level of asbestos exposure, nor is there any type of asbestos less prone to causing mesothelioma. Although some health organizations deem certain types of asbestos more toxic than others, they all pose serious health risks and are heavily regulated, if not banned outright.
Depending on the application and country of origin, manufacturers have used different types of asbestos to create their products. There are six different types of asbestos, which include chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite.