asbestos

asbestos /as·bes·tos/ (as-bes´tos) a fibrous incombustible magnesium and calcium silicate used in thermal insulation; its dust causes asbestosis and acts as an epigenetic carcinogen for pleural mesothelioma. It is divided into two main classes: amphibole a., less widely used and more highly carcinogenic and including amosite and crocidolite, and serpentine a., including chrysotile.

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as·bes·tos (s-bsts, z-)

n.

Either of two incombustible, chemical-resistant, fibrous mineral forms of impure magnesium silicate, formerly used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, brake linings, and chemical filters but now banned because it causes pleural mesothelioma and asbestosis.

adj.

Of, made of, or containing one or the other of these two mineral forms.

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Asbestos

A naturally occurring mineral, utilized worldwide for its durability and heat resistant qualities. Extremely fibrous in nature, asbestos particles can easily enter the respiratory system and damage sensitive tissue. This damage can result in asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

Mentioned in: Asbestosis, Mesothelioma

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asbestos

[asbes′təs]

Etymology: Gk, asbestos, unquenchable

a group of fibrous impure magnesium silicate minerals. Inhalation of the fibers can lead to pulmonary fibrosis if the fibers accumulate in terminal bronchioles. Continued exposure to asbestos fibers can result in lung cancer.

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asbestos [as-bes´tos]

fibrous calcium and magnesium silicate, a nonburning compound used in roofing materials, insulation for electric circuits, brake linings, and many other products that must be fire resistant. Alternative materials are being developed to replace asbestos because fine asbestos fibers can be inhaled, causing asbestosis, pleural mesothelioma, and other types of lung cancer. In 1971, asbestos became the first material to be regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

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asbestos (asbes´ts),

n a group of fibrous impure magnesium silicate minerals. Inhalation of the fibers can lead to pulmonary fibrosis.

Ascaris

n a genus of large parasitic intestinal roundworms such as
A. lumbricoides.

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asbestos

a naturally occurring amphibole mineral in fibrous form with the fibers lying in parallel in plates; causes asbestosis in humans. Called also horneblende.

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asbestos

Environment Any finished natural product containing a type of incombustible mineral fiber; the US has used 30 billion tons of asbestos since 1900; it is a component of ± 3000 manufactured products; maximum exposure levels–1976 OSHA standards = 2 fibers/ccm³/8 hr period

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Patient discussion about asbestos.

Q. Why have i been seeing so many commercials regarding asbestos related mesothelioma? I have been quite curious to know why law firms are pushing mesothelioma ads.

A. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.The liability resulting from the sheer number of lawsuits and people affected has reached billions of dollars.The amounts and method of allocating compensation have been the source of many court cases, reaching up to the United States Supreme Court.
so where ever there's money- there's lawyers..