Which type of asbestos is considered more hazardous due to its fibrous nature?

Amphibole asbestos, such as crocidolite, is considered more hazardous due to its fibrous nature. The fibers of amphibole asbestos are generally more brittle and can be longer, making them more likely to become airborne and inhaled. Once inhaled, these fibers can cause significant damage to lung tissues and are associated with serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Chrysotile asbestos, while still hazardous, has a different structure. Its fibers are curly and more flexible, which contributes to a lower likelihood of being inhaled deeply into the lungs compared to amphibole fibers. This structural difference is significant in understanding the relative danger posed by various types of asbestos.

Understanding these distinctions is critical for professionals in environments where asbestos exposure is possible, emphasizing the necessity for stringent safety measures when dealing with the more hazardous forms like amphibole asbestos.