Asbestine is a mineral compound composed of nearly pure fibrous magnesium silicate, with physical characteristics between those of asbestos and talc.
These uses included making it into napkins and towels, which, when dirty, were simply thrown into the fire to clean.
[3] Contemporary applications include use as an extender in paint-based products, although statutory restrictions on how much can be used have long been in place.
[4] Trace amounts can be found in talc, which often contains asbestos fibers of various types.
[5] Studies into health risks associated with talc determined that with so many commercial varieties of talc being types of asbestine minerals, the resultant lung disease—talcosis, which can follow their prolonged inhalation, is usually a variety of asbestosis.