asbestos
noun
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A grayish mineral that separates readily into long, flexible fibers, asbestos was used in the past to make brake linings, insulation, roofing shingles, floor and ceiling tiles, cement pipes, and other building materials. Asbestos fabrics were used for safety apparel and theater curtains. In the 1970s, it was found that prolonged inhalation of the tiny asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and other serious lung diseases. In 1989, the US Government instituted a gradual ban on the manufacture, use, and export of most products made with asbestos.
Examples of asbestos in a Sentence
U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025
The problem with the scenario, however, is that lead, asbestos and contaminated water and soil must be removed and more testing is needed to determine the full extent of remediation, according to village documents.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Swenson expects to eventually develop breathing problems from her asbestos exposure as a child.
—Aaron Bolton, NPR, 7 July 2025
Workers also had to clean up soil and groundwater contamination from years of heavy manufacturing, and rid the building of asbestos, a toxin that can cause lung disease, The Courier Journal reported.
—Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for asbestos
Cite this Entry
“Asbestos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asbestos. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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asbestos
noun
Medical Definition
asbestos
noun
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