Definition: Asbestos. Fibrous incombustible mineral composed of magnesium and calcium silicates with or without other elements. It is relatively inert chemically and used in thermal insulation and fireproofing. Inhalation of dust causes asbestosis and later lung and gastrointestinal neoplasms.
a silicate used in insulation & fireproofing; carcinogenic; GEN or unspecified; prefer specifics; /adv eff: consider also ASBESTOSIS; disease coord with ASBESTOS /adv eff is dis /etiol, not dis /chem ind; for emphasis on asbestos fibers, MINERAL FIBERS i
Pharmacological ActionCarcinogens ExamplesAsbestos, Amphibole; Asbestos, Serpentine
