According to the American Cancer Society, exposure to amosite asbestos has an increased risk to cause cancer in comparison to other types of asbestos. Several asbestos studies suggest exposure to amosite can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
One study of 820 former workers who were exposed to amosite asbestos at a Paterson, New Jersey, factory showed that 18.7 percent of them died of lung cancer 17mesothelioma cases occurred. After closing in 1954, the factory relocated to Tyler, Texas, until closing for good in 1972. Among the 1,130 former workers in Tyler, 15.8 percent of them died from lung cancer. Many of these cases were believed to be caused by amosite exposure.
In its natural state, amosite is known as the mineral grunerite. Commercially, grunerite is referred to as amosite or brown asbestos. Approximately 80,000 tons of amosite were mined in the Transvaal province of South Africa by 1970.Uses of Amosite
Amosite is only useful when utilized as asbestos because its fibers offer good tensile strength and heat-resistance. Commercial products that have been manufactured with amosite include:
- Cement sheets
- Thermal insulation
- Plumbing insulation
- Insulation boards
- Chemical insulation
- Electrical insulation
- Roofing products
- Fire protection
- Gaskets, lagging
- Tiles, including those for ceilings, roofs and floors
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined amosite to be the second most commonly used mineral type of asbestos in the United States.