Asbestos Meaning
The term asbestos is traceable to Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder’s manuscript Natural History, and his use of the term asbestinon, meaning “unquenchable”.
Asbestos is 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.
Asbestos properties:
- Asbestos is fibrous amphibole
- Asbestos is extremely resistant to fire and heat
- Asbestos strands can be extracted from the rock and woven and spun much like cotton or other conventional fabrics.
- Asbestos is an outstanding insulator
- Asbestos has high tensile strength
- Asbestos is chemically stable
- Asbestosis silicate-mineral fiber that becomes brittle (‘friable’) with age
Asbestos Uses:
- Asbestos is used for making fireproof articles
- Asbestos is used in variety of household items.
- Asbestos is used in industrial applications from ancient times
Asbestos health hazards
- Asbestos inhaling fibers can cause asbestosis or lung cancer (mesothelioma).
- Asbestos can pollutes air and water as extremely fine particles that can cause serious illnesses
- Asbestos causes respiratory disease.