Document 1ymz6xVk2ozqB0ZOeXpL1R86m

Am On*p. Hjt Vd. 11. pp. X-J. Pntamo* fi* IW. htoted to Greet Britain ' ASBESTOS AND ASBESTOSIS* ' W. J. Smither ' Group Medic*) Adviser, C*pc Asbestos Company. 114 Park Street, London W.l. THE FORMS AMO USES OF ASBESTOS Commlrcjai.lv important asbestos fibres fall into two main groups. The first of these is chrysotilc, and the second comprises the amphiholes. Both groups arc fibrous silicates, but they differ .in geological origin, in chemical composition, in molecular structure, in fibre size and strength, and in other characteristics. Chrysolite, white asbestos, comes from many different places. There are slight chemical and physical variations in the fibres from different sources, but basically all have the same molecular structure. On the other hand, the amphibotes comprise at least three separate types, whose molecular structure is very similar, but whose chemical and physical properties differ more widely. Amostte (amber) and crocidolite (blue) are of commercial importance in this country, whereas anthophyllite is a Finnish fibre not used here. The relative amounts of each fibre in world production is shown in Fig. I and the areas of main use in Fig. 2. Chrysolite (while) Z.600.000 torn tux Asbevtot. Annuol world output *3,000.000160* I Crocidolite (blue) (South Alncol UOtOOOtwn 3-i* Amottit (South Atiieol 90X100 tons 3% AM hnphvllitc (Finlondl 10,000 tons I* Conode * USSR ' S. Airies USA Europe Olhcrt 1,250.000 TSO.OOO 2S0.000 100.000 109,000 350.000 Fig. 1. World production of asbestos. This paper was originally presented at a Conference on Exposure to Asbestos during Drake and Clutch Maintenance, held ai Dicntwood, Essex, March, 1969. 3