[newlite4]

As I understand it, blue asbestos is the most hazardous, followed by brown. The reason being is that under a microscope, the fibres of blue and to a lesser extent brown asbestos resemble tiny needles. It is these needles that get lodged in the aveoli of the lung, cause irritation, and after 20 or so years may lead to cancer. One million of these 'needles' will fit on a pin head. By contrast, white asbestos fibres (which is the type that we are more likely to encounter) resembles fluffy cotton wool. Whilst these are not sharp, they can still clog up the lungs and may eventually may lead to a condition similar to silicosis. Although not as hazardous, it is advisable to reduce ones intake of the dust through sensible precautions. At work all the time we come across fuse carriers and switches which contain asbestos, it is difficult to avoid as there is so much of it about.
Neil