Anthophyllite is the least common of the six regulated asbestos minerals. It had only limited commercial use, and it is encountered most often as a contaminant — particularly of talc.
What Anthophyllite Is
Anthophyllite is an amphibole asbestos, a magnesium iron silicate. Like the other amphiboles, its asbestiform fibers are straight and brittle rather than curly. It was mined on a small scale in a few locations, most notably Finland, but never approached the commercial volume of chrysotile, amosite, or crocidolite.
Appearance
Anthophyllite ranges from gray to brown or brownish-green. Its fibers are straight and rod-like, typical of the amphibole family.
Where Anthophyllite Is Found
Anthophyllite’s main significance is as a contaminant and minor ingredient:
- A contaminant of talc, including some talc used in cosmetic and industrial powders and in products that used talc as a filler
- A minor component of a limited number of composite and rubber products, some insulation and sealant materials, and certain older consumer goods
- A naturally occurring fiber in some geological deposits
Because its commercial use was so limited, direct anthophyllite exposure was less common than exposure to the other types — but talc contamination made it a real exposure pathway.
Health Risk
Anthophyllite is an IARC Group 1 human carcinogen. As a biopersistent amphibole, it can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Studies of anthophyllite-exposed populations, including Finnish miners, confirmed its capacity to cause asbestos-related disease.
Regulatory Status
Anthophyllite is one of the six asbestos minerals regulated under U.S. and international asbestos rules. As with the other contaminant amphiboles, regulatory attention centers on the talc and other materials it can contaminate.
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease and were exposed to anthophyllite-contaminated talc or other products, you may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds and civil litigation.