A fibrous material made from silica. Very heat resistant so often used in the past in buildings for insulation. Now banned because it is a health risk. Exposure to asbestos can cause a lung disease called asbestosis and also a type of cancer that affects the lungs called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can occur up to 40 years after the exposure to asbestos.

A white, gray, or green-gray fibrous variety of hornblende; usually one containing but little aluminum, as tremolite or actinolite. At times it is called earth flax, mountain cork, and amiantus. It is considered fireproof.

the asbestiform varieties of Chysotile (otherwise known as serpentine); crocidolite (otherwise known as riebeckite); amosite (otherwise known as cummingtonitegrunerite); anthophylite; tremolite; and actinolite.

A group of impure magnesium silicate minerals which are found in fibrous form. Serpentine type is used for insulation linings and gaskets. Amphibole type is used as filter material or filter aids in chemical applications.

a natural material made from a mineral. Asbestos was widely used for nearly a century. The tiny fibers of asbestos can become trapped in the lungs, causing lung cancer many decades later.

A Generic Name Used To Describe A Family Of Naturally Occurring Fibrous Hydrated Silicates Divided On The Basis Of Mineralogical Features Into Serpentines And Amphiboles. Six Varieties Were Of Commercial Importance : Serpentine: Chrysotile Mg3 (si2o5) (oh)4, Amphiboles: Actinolite Ca2 (mgfe)5 (si6o22) (oh)2, Asbestos Grunerite ( Amosite) (femg)7 (si6o22) (oh)2, Anthhophyllite (mgfe)7 (si6o22)(oh)2, Crocidolite Na2fe2+3fe3+2(si6o22)(oh)2, Tremolite Ca2mg5(si6o22)(oh)2,the Six Varieties Are Deemed To Be Asbestos Only When They Have A Fibrous Form., Note: Asbestos Is No Longer Used Because Of The Associated Health Risks.

Common name for any of a variety of silicate minerals groups that are fibrous in structure and more or less resistant to acid and fire. Asbestos is usually found comprising veins in other rock. close window resize type

Fibrous amphibole used for making fireproof things; inhaling these fibers can cause lung cancer or asbestosis.

A form of hydrated magnesium silicate the is fibrous and fireproof. Gloves made of it are resistant to extreme heat associated with glass working.

A group of impure magnesium silicate minerals which occur in fibrous form. Includes the forms chrysotile and tremolite. Uses include fireproofing, insulation, reinforcing agent in rubber and plastics and paint filler. Hazard: Restricted pulmonary function, dyspnia, fibrosis, confirmed human carcinogen producing lung tumors.

A family of heterogeneous silicate minerals which include chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyfillite and actinolite. The asbestos is fibrous, chemically inert, does not conduct heat and electricity, insoluble, and without odor. These properties made asbestos the perfect material for many applications such as insulating materials (panels, roofing, coating), sealing materials (as additive to rubber, and other sealing material), and friction materials (such as clutches and brakes). If broken, asbestos releases long and narrow fibers which, if inhaled, may cause lung cancer (asbestosis and mesothelioma). Ingestion of asbestos (primarily through drinking water transported in pipes made of asbestos) is also of concern. New uses of asbestos are currently banned by law in most industrialized countries, and existing uses are often being phased out.

Term used to designate fibrous silicate minerals which are nonflammable.

A fibrous mineral which has heat resistive qualities; used to make asbestos-cement shingles and other materials for fire resistance.

A mineral formerly used as insulation in buildings it has been linked to lung cancer when inhaled. It must be removed or sealed when demolishing or renovating older buildings to protect construction workers and new inhabitants.

An incombustible, chemical-resistant, fibrous mineral form of impure magnesium silicate. Prolonged, inhalation of asbestos can lead to asbestosis -- a chronic, progressive lung disease.

A fibrous, incombustible material once used in building construction. No longer allowed due to health risk.

Formerly a common building material because of its fire resistance. For more information see the EPA web site or look for asbestos removal firms in the phone book.

A stringy, fibrous mineral traditionally used for friction materials such as brake linings. Because of the health hazards of breathing it and its tendency to cause brake fade (see) in severe service, it has been superseded by semi-metallic (see) and NAO (see) linings.

Naturally occurring silicate mineral that Romans used in their building materials.

A fibrous mineral, asbestos can enter water naturally or through the decay of asbestos cement in water mains. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, this contaminant may increase the risk of developing benign intestinal polyps and has been linked to cancer.

A fire and heat resistant material used in insulation, roofing, etc.

a hydrated magnesium silicate in fibrous form.

Combination of several minerals that separate into long, threadlike fibers. Because they do not bum, do not conduct heat or electricity, and are very resistant to chemicals, these minerals are often used for making fireproof materials, electrical insulation, roofing, filters, etc. benign: doing no harm, good incidence: the frequency with which an event occurs (usually in a group at risk) pericardium: a thin membrane surrounding the heart and the roots of the great blood vessels.

is a naturally occurring mineral fiber. It is flexible and fire-resistant. Asbestos is used in a number of products to strengthen them and provide insulation and fire protection. Asbestos in homes can be a problem if it is disturbed. Cutting, sanding, or other remodeling or removal activities can release asbestos fibers into the air.

According to those at MSN House and Home, houseandhome.msn.com, asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral found in insulation and other products. Asbestos is a serious health hazard.

a fibrous amphibole; used for making fireproof articles; inhaling fibers can cause asbestosis or lung cancer

a magnesium-silicate fiber that can cause serious health complications

a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for

a mineral substance that can split into many tiny fibres

a term for a group of minerals that occur naturally as

A toxic material that was once used in housing insulation and fireproofing. Because some forms of asbestos have been lin ke d to certain lung diseases, it is no longer used in new homes. However, some older homes may still have asbestos in these materials.

a fine, flexible, noncombustible material. It can withstand high temperatures without change. Asbestos exposure, by inhaling loose asbestos fibers, is associated with various forms of lung disease.

A fine, silica dust that, when inhaled, has the potential to cause asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestos is present in some building and insulation materials.

a generic name for a group of naturally occurring mineral silicates that are characterised by fibres or bundles of fine single crystal fibrils. Included in the definition are the minerals chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite. edrock: solid rock underlying unconsolidated alluvium.

A type of fire proof and chemical resistant fibrous mineral commonly found in materials used for electric insulation, building materials, chemical filters, brake linings, and fire proofing. Asbestos exposure can result in dangerous conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Asbestosis Asbestosis is a persistent, progressive lung disease that results from long-term exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pains, weakness, lung infections, lung damage, and heart failure.

It is the fibrous minerals of the amphibole group. Fibrous serpentine is also known as asbestos.

Asbestos (or magnesium silicate) is a material which was previously used in construction and insulation products. Asbestos was an attractive material due to its stability and fire-resistance. Exposure to asbestos over long periods of time has been proven to cause various types of lung cancer.

a fibrous material, used in making products such as pipe insulation, roofing shingles, automotive break pads and gaskets, and fireproof articles, among others. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis or lung cancer. In 1971, the Environmental Protection Agency identified asbestos as a hazardous air pollutant. All activities involving the processing, handling and disposal of asbestos-containing products are regulated by federal, state and local authorities.

A group of six different fibrous minerals formerly used as fireproof insulation material that can cause certain types of cancer and increase the risk of developing benign intestinal polyps

Any number of the six naturally occurring fibrous minerals traditionally used for insulation in industry, construction, and textile manufacturing.

A general term given to the fibrous form of mineral silicates belonging to the serpentine and amphibole groups of rock forming minerals.

Asbestos litigation refers to litigation concerning damages to persons injured by the fibrous mineral used in many products because of its strength, flexibility, and resistance to fire, heat, and corrosion. By 1983, 24,000 persons had filed lawsuits and 200,000 additional lawsuits are estimated to be initiated in the next 30 years. Many claims are currently being settled through a trust established by a bankruptcy court as part of the reorganization of the Johns-Manville Corporation, a defendant in many of the asbestos claims.

Any of several minerals that readily separate into long, flexible fibers, once commonly used as fireproof insulating materials

A naturally-occurring mineral fiber that can cause cancer.

a group of fibrous rock-forming minerals that occur naturally in the environment.

(as-BES-tus) A natural material that is made of tiny fibers. Asbestos can cause several serious diseases, including cancer.

A strong and incombustible fiber widely used in the past for fireproofing and insulation. The small, buoyant fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, causing a number of serious diseases including: asbestosis, a chronic disease of the lungs that makes breathing more and more difficult; cancer; and mesothelioma, a cancer (specific to asbestos exposure) of the membranes that line the chest and abdomen.

The name of certain silicate minerals when they occur in fibrous form. Asbestos fibers can be processed into materials that are uniquely resistant to fire, heat, and corrosion. However, asbestosâ€(tm)s extremely fine fibers are easily inhaled, and exposure to them over a period of years has been linked to cancers. The manufacture, use, and disposal of asbestos are strictly regulated in most countries.

is the commercial name given to a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral commonly used in construction materials and other products because of its high heat resistance, strength and durability. Over time, exposure to asbestos may lead to asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and other cancers.

A group of highly fibrous minerals with separable, long, thin fibers often arranged in parallel in a column or in matted masses. Separated asbestos fibers are generally strong enough and flexible enough to be spun and woven, are heat resistant, and are chemically inert. See definitions of fibrous and mineral. Currently, U.S. regulatory agencies recognize six asbestos minerals: the serpentine mineral, chrysotile; and five asbestiform amphibole minerals, actinolite asbestos, tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, amosite asbestos (also known as asbestiform cummingtonite-grunerite), and crocidolite asbestos(also known as asbestiform riebeckite). Proposals have been made to update asbestos regulations to include other asbestiform amphibole minerals such as winchite asbestos and richterite asbestos.

Fibrous mineral used in the past for insulation. Can be a health hazard specialist advice should be sought if asbestos (especially blue asbestos) is found.

A mineral of fibrous texture, capable of being woven into a heat-resistant material; commonly used for fireproofing and thermal insulation in manufacturing and industry.

a fibrous, mineral substance that does not conduct heat and is incombustible. Used to insulate buildings, in car brakes, in textiles and many other products.

A mineral fiber used in some building materials such as flooring, siding, insulation and roofing. It is presently banned for most uses in real property.

Natural mineral mined from rock and used in construction. Properties include noncombustibility, corrosion resistance, high tensile strength, and both thermal and electrical insulating capability.

A natural material that is made up of tiny fibers used in insulations against fire and in tire brake liners. The fibers can cause cancer.

is a compound of silicates that is incombustible in air but is damaging to the lungs when inhaled. Commonly found in: acoustical insulation, thermal insulation, electrical insulation, plastic products (e.g., floor tiles), and in asbestos concrete (e.g., asbestos cement water pipes).

A generic term given to a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers. Asbestos exists as part of the earth's crust. Many different mineral types of asbestos exist as part of the earth's crust and depend upon the rock types that form the asbestos. The most common types of asbestos are: Serpentines; chrysotile (white asbestos); and Amphiboles: amosite (brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), antinolite, anthophylite and tremolite. Asbestos is extracted from open pit mines and was used extensively in residential buildings between 1900 and the mid 1980's.

The asbestiform varieties of serpentine (chrysotile), riebeckite (crocidolite), cummingtonite-grunerite (amosite), anthophyllite, actinolite and tremolite.

is a natural material that is made up of tiny fibers. Asbestos was used as insulation in buildings and ships, but nowadays it is not used anymore. If a person breathes in the fibers they enter the lungs and may lead to cancer.

incombustible, chemical-resistant, fibrous mineral forms of impure magnesium silicate, used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings, and chemical filters.

A toxic material that was once used to make insulation and fireproofing material in houses. Because some forms of asbestos have been linked to certain lung diseases, it is no longer used in new homes. However, some older homes may still have asbestos in these materials.

Any of several minerals that readily separate into long flexible fibers. Formerly used as fireproof insulating materials, asbestos has been implicated as causes of certain cancers.

A highly heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics, and is used in brake linings and other fire-resistant and insulating materials. The danger to health caused by breathing in highly carcinogenic asbestos particles has lead to a more stringent control of its use. Exposure to asbestos can cause severe fibrosis and mesothelioma.

A known carcinogen, asbestos is a group of small, jagged sub- micron mineral fibers. Common types of asbestos include chrysotile, crocidolite and anthophyllite. Inhaling substantial quantities of asbestos may cause asbestosis (a disease that blocks the lungs with thick, fibrous tissue); bronchogenic cancer (cancer of the bronchial tubes); or mesothelioma (a rare and fatal cancer of the lining of the chest or abdomen).

A naturally occurring substance, mined from rock and made up of tiny fibers, used extensively in thousands of building and insulation products.

A fibrous silicate material, mainly comprising of calcium magnesium silicate; a noncombustible, nonconducting, and chemical resistant material; a known lung carcinogen.

(as-BEST-iss) Any of several minerals that readily separate into long flexible fibers. Asbestos was formerly used as fireproof insulating materials and has since been implicated a cause of certain cancers.

A fibrous material that is heat resistant and nonburning, once used in brake linings, gaskets, and clutch facings, it is no longer used due to health hazards

(as-BES-tus) A natural material that is made up of tiny fibers. The fibers can cause cancer.

A carcinogenic, fibrous mineral used in a variety of building materials. Home health risks arise when age, accidental damage, normal cleaning or remodeling activities cause the asbestos-containing material to crumble, flake, or deteriorate.

A fibrous silicate mineral that was once commonly used in construction. People who have been exposed to asbestos over a period of time may develop asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

mineral used in insulation of the structural steel of the Twin Towers. Asbestos is toxic when inhaled, but has a long latency period. Vast quantities of asbestos were released in the dust clouds that issued from the towers' collapses.

Includes chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, actinolite asbestos, and any of these minerals that have been chemically treated and/or altered.

asbestos - malignant pleural mesothelioma.

An incombustible fibrous mineral form of magnesium silicate formerly used for fireproofing and sometimes used for the reinforcement of roofing materials.

A hazardous material, has been used in more than 3,000 different construction materials and manufactured products, including many found in homes. This material could have been installed in homes through the 1980s. There is no standard for disclosing or inspecting asbestos. Buyer beware.

A generic name for a group of naturally occurring mineral silicates of the amphibole or serpentine series that are characterised by fibres or bundles of fine single crystal fibrils. Naturally occurring asbestos fibres typically have length-to-width ratios of the order of 100 or higher. Included in the definition are the following minerals chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite.

Asbestos was used in cement water pipes in the early 1900s, and since it occurs naturally in rock, it is commonly found in water supplies near mining operations. Asbestos is linked to several types of cancers. Indications are that most asbestos exposure is by inhalation rather than ingestion; however the EPA has established an MCL for asbestos fibers in water. Filters rated for asbestos reduction will lessen this health threat.

A fibrous mineral used in more than 3,000 different products including cement pipe often used in distributing water to communities. Long-term exposure to high levels of asbestos can cause lung disease and cancer.

A fireproof material consisting of fibres of magnesium silicate. Its use is generally restricted due to associated health risks.

A fire-resistant mineral used for insulation and home products that has been found to pose a health hazard.

A mineral fiber which has been used in a variety of ways within the home, but generally as an insulator around plumbing. Asbestos can be friable or non-friable, and may be hazardous to health.

A natural material made up of tiny fibers which can lodge in the lungs and lead to cancer or scarring of the lungs. The cancer may be lung cancer or ( mesothelioma ), which is a cancer of the lining of the lungs or other internal organs. The scarring of the lungs is termed asbestosis . Exposure to asbestos usually occurs by breathing contaminated air in workplaces that make or use asbestos or in the air of buildings containing asbestos that are being torn down or renovated. See the entire definition of Asbestos

a group of natural, fibrous, impure silicate materials.

A grey, non-burning, non-conducting and chemical resistant amphibole occurring in long fibers or fibrous masses, sometimes used as a filler for reinforcement.

A naturally occurring mineral fiber sometimes found in heating systems, floor coverings, ceiling finishes and other materials used in older homes. It is hazardous to health when a possibility exists of exposure to inhalable fibers. Homeowners should be alert for friable asbestos and always seek professional advice in dealing with it.

An isolative fire and heat resistant material commonly used in insulation and roofing.

a mineral fiber that can pollute air or water and cause cancer or asbestosis when inhaled. EPA has banned or severely restricted its use in manufacturing and construction

A fire-resistant element that once was commonly used for insulation in buildings, but was discovered to cause health issues in the lungs. This material is no longer used and is typically removed from buildings when it is discovered. Click here to visit website.

A mineral fiber. Breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to lung cancer.

a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral made up of tiny fibers that can lodge in the lungs and lead to cancer or scarring of the lungs. The cancer may be lung cancer or mesothelioma. Asbestos was popular in manufacturing and industry due to its strength and chemical and thermal stability. The types of asbestos include: chrysotile (which accounted for 95% of industrial use), amosite, and crocidolite.

A fire-resistant element that once was commonly used for insulation. It poses a lung hazard. Click here to visit website.

A natural material that is made up of tiny fibers. If the fibers are inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and lead to cancer.

A common form of magnesium silicate which was used in various construction products due to its stability and resistance to fire. Asbestos exposure (caused by inhaling loose asbestos fibers) is associated with various forms of lung disease. The name given to certain inorganic minerals when they occur in fibrous form. Though fire-resistant, its extremely fine fibers are easily inhaled, and exposure to them over a period of years has been linked to cancers of the lung or lung-cavity lining and to asbestosis a severe lung impairment. A naturally occurring mineral fiber sometimes found in older homes. It is hazardous to your health when a possibility exists of exposure to inhalable fibers. Homeowners should be alert for friable (readily crumbled, brittle) asbestos and always seek professional advice in dealing with it.

A fibrous material used to make fireproof materials, electrical insulation, roofing and filters. Asbestos has been linked to a type of lung cancer.

A naturally occurring soft fibrous mineral formerly used in fireproofing materials and considered to be highly carcinogenic.

Fire-resistant material, formerly used for insulation and some home products, which has been found to be a health hazard and is no longer used.

Asbestos (a misapplication of Latin: asbestos "quicklime" from Greek : a, "not" and sbestos, "extinguishable") describes any of a group of minerals that can be fibrous, many of which are metamorphic and are hydrous magnesium silicates. These minerals, together with their occurrences, uses, and associated hazards, have been discussed in detail by Guthrie and Mossman (1993).