Asbestos

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance|Inorganic Chemical

**Definition:** One of a number of fibrous magnesium and calcium silicate minerals processed for thermal insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is considered to be an environmental carcinogen; chronic inhalation of fine asbestos dust causes pulmonary asbestosis and may induce lung neoplasms. Chronic ingestion of asbestos may induce gastrointestinal neoplasms. (NCI04)

**Synonyms:** - asbestos