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´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.