n. 石棉

[化] 石棉

[医] 石棉

[ noun ]
a fibrous amphibole; used for making fireproof articles; inhaling fibers can cause asbestosis or lung cancer
<noun.substance>

Asbestus \As*bes"tus\, Asbestos \As*bes"tos\ (?; 277), n. [L.
asbestos (NL. asbestus) a kind of mineral unaffected by fire,
Gr. ? (prop. an adj.) inextinguishable; 'a priv. + ? to
extinguish.] (Min.)
A variety of amphibole or of pyroxene, occurring in long and
delicate fibers, or in fibrous masses or seams, usually of a
white, gray, or green-gray color. The name is also given to a
similar variety of serpentine.

Note: The finer varieties have been wrought into gloves and
cloth which are incombustible. The cloth was formerly
used as a shroud for dead bodies, and has been
recommended for firemen's clothes. Asbestus in also
employed in the manufacture of iron safes, for
fireproof roofing, and for lampwicks. Some varieties
are called amianthus. --Dana.
Since the discovery, in the 1960's, of the ability of
certain types of asbestos to cause lung cancer, its use
has been more restricted, and precautions are taken to
avoid inhalation of asbestos dust. Also, a debilitating
lung disease, termed asbestosis, has been attributed to
its inhalation.
Lawsuits against the Johns-Manville corporation by
those claiming to have been injured by asbestos
resulted in the bankruptcy of that corporation, and the
transfer of its assets to the claimants. (ca. 1985)
[1913 Webster+PJC]