What characteristic of amphibole asbestos is notably different from serpentine asbestos?

Amphibole asbestos is characterized by its needle-shaped fibers, which sets it apart from serpentine asbestos, which has curly and more flexible fibers. The structure of amphibole fibers allows them to be more brittle and can lead to different health risks when inhaled. This distinct morphology contributes to the differing toxicological properties of amphibole and serpentine asbestos, particularly in terms of their potential carcinogenicity.

While serpentine asbestos (such as chrysotile) is more commonly found in construction materials and has a different set of health risks due to its fiber structure, the needle-shaped fibers of amphibole asbestos are significant in understanding how exposure impacts human health and contributes to diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. This highlights the importance of identifying and distinguishing between the different types of asbestos during inspections and assessments in buildings.