Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found throughout 2/3 of the earth's crust. The fibers are stirred up by erosion and carried by the wind. Residents of the area therefore can be exposed to asbestos fibers. Asbestos is also found in ground water near asbestos mines. Residents in these areas drink water that contains asbestos, but ingested asbestos is not hazardous to health.
Asbestos is actually many types of fibers, the main types being amphibole and serpentine. Amphibole is the type of fiber that was used in many of over three thousand products until it was banned in the 1970s. Amosite and crocidolite were used commercially. This is the asbestos that is hazardous if inhaled. Amphibole fibers are able to break down into microscopic particles that are sharp and needlelike. They remain airborne for long periods of time and can be breathed deep into the respiratory system. They can remain indefinitely in the body and be the cause of lung disease between 20 and 40 years later.
