Asbestosor asbestus[1] (/ æsˈbɛstəs, æz -, - tɒs / ass-BES-təs, az-, -toss) [2] is a group of naturally occurring, fibrous silicate minerals, used for thousands of years to create flexible objects that resist fire, such as fireproof fabrics, but are now known to be toxic and carcinogenic.
A fact sheet aboutasbestos, the health hazards ofasbestosexposure (including mesothelioma), and who's at risk for anasbestos-related disease. Also presented are resources for information related toasbestosexposure and programs to help exposed individuals.
Oct 20, 2023 ·Asbestos is anaturally occurring material that is present in soil and rocks. Exposure to asbestos may lead to lung diseases and other health conditions.

What is asbestos? Asbestos is the name given to a group ofnaturally occurring minerals that are resistant to heat and corrosion. Asbestos has been used in products, such as insulation for pipes (steam lines for example), floor tiles, building materials, and in vehicle brakes and clutches.
Apr 15, 2026 ·The term asbestos refers toany of several minerals that readily separate into long, flexible fibers. The best-known type is chrysotile, a fibrous form of the mineral serpentine. Prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers can harm human health.

Aug 12, 2024 ·Breathingasbestoscan cause tinyasbestosfibers to get stuck in the lungs and irritate lung tissues. Workers and others who breathedasbestosfibers over many years have developedasbestos-related cancer and noncancer diseases. Some of these diseases can be serious or even fatal.