Chrysotile relatives that asbestos compensation claimants need not avoid

People making asbestos compensation claims are often advised to keep away from sources of asbestos fibres. It is the fibrous nature of the mineral that makes it dangerous - the scientific name for a mineral with this structure is asbestiform - but there are forms of these minerals that are not fibrous.

For example, one important form of asbestos is chrysotile. This is one of the three types of mineral that make up serpentine, along with lizardite and antigorite. Of these, it is only chrysotile that has the fibrous structure that makes it dangerous, yet all have the same chemical composition.

Lizardite, named for the peninsula in Cornwall, is a fine-grained rock which can be green, yellow or white. It has a sufficiently semi-precious appearance to be carved into attractive jewellery or sculptures, and these can generally be worn or admired without worrying about mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Similarly, antigorite is a solid rock rather than having asbestiform fibres. Generally a darker colour than lizardite, some forms can be translucent (bowenite and williamsite) and occasionally used as a substitute for jade.

Rock masses containing primarily serpentine are known as serpentinite. Within serpentinite, chrysotile - the asbestiform variety - can occur in seams between the other two types. This means that, while owning the safer materials may cause no threat of personal injury, mining the serpentine could release the cancer-causing fibres into the air, where they could be breathed in.

Making an asbestos-related compensation claim
If you have been exposed to asbestos through no fault of your own, and have developed an asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis or mesothelioma, then you are likely to be eligible to make an asbestos compensation claim.

The experts at YouClaim can offer free and sensitive advice on your specific case, helping you to decide whether you have a case and to find the right personal injury lawyer for your needs. Our success rate is excellent, and the work of our no win, no fee solicitors is governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Neither YouClaim nor your personal injury lawyer will charge any fee for working on your asbestos claim, whether you win or lose. And our 100% compensation guarantee means that you will receive every penny awarded in damages in a successful case.

To find out more about how we can help you, simply complete a claim form, or talk to one of our asbestos advisors, who you can reach through our online chat service or through our free phone number, 0800 10 757 95. We look forward to assisting you in your asbestos compensation claim.