a group of minerals that take the form of tiny fibers. asbestos has been used as insulation against heat and fire in buildings. loose asbestos fibers breathed into the lungs can cause several serious diseases, including lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma (cancer found in the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen). asbestos that is swallowed may cause cancer of the gastrointestinal tract.
出典:Wikipedia
出典:『Wikipedia』 (2011/06/24 16:23 UTC 版)
Asbestos ( /æzˈbɛstəs/, /æs-/; from Greek ἄσβεστος, "unquenchable" or "inextinguishable") is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals exploited commercially for their desirable physical properties. They all have in common their asbestiform habit, long, (1:20) thin fibrous crystals. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, including malignant lung cancer, mesothelioma (a formerly rare cancer strongly associated with exposure to amphibole asbestos), and asbestosis (a type of pneumoconiosis). Long exposure to high concentrations of asbestos fibers is more likely to cause health problems, as asbestos exists in the ambient air at low levels, which itself does not cause health problems. The European Union has banned all use of asbestos and extraction, manufacture and processing of asbestos products.