Is asbestos still used anywhere?

Its use is heavily restricted or banned in most developed countries due to health risks, but it is still used in some developing nations.

What are the main diseases caused by asbestos?

The primary diseases are asbestosis (scarring of the lungs), lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen).

If asbestos is in my home, is it always dangerous?

Not if it is in good condition and left undisturbed. The danger arises when the material is damaged or disturbed, releasing microscopic fibres into the air.

What does 'asbestos abatement' mean?

It is the professional term for the procedures used to control fibre release from asbestos-containing materials, including removal, encapsulation, or enclosure.

Is “asbestos” formal?

Asbestos is usually technical, formal, historical in register.

How do you pronounce “asbestos”?

Asbestos: in British English it is pronounced /æsˈbɛstɒs/, and in American English it is pronounced /æsˈbɛstəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

asbestos: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/æsˈbɛstɒs/US/æsˈbɛstəs/

Technical, formal, historical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “asbestos” mean?

A naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is highly resistant to heat, fire, and chemical damage.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is highly resistant to heat, fire, and chemical damage.

Historically used as a building and insulation material, now known to cause serious lung diseases when its fibres are inhaled.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.

Connotations

Identical strong negative connotations due to health risks.

Frequency

Slightly higher frequency in UK English in historical/industrial contexts, but overall usage is similar.

Grammar

How to Use “asbestos” in a Sentence

N of asbestosV (remove/contain/identify) asbestosADJ (dangerous/loose/encapsulated) asbestos

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

asbestos removalasbestos fibresasbestos exposureasbestos contaminationasbestos survey

medium

contain asbestosblue asbestoswhite asbestosasbestos-relatedasbestos cement

weak

dangerous asbestosold asbestoshidden asbestosasbestos problemasbestos risk

Examples

Examples of “asbestos” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

The asbestos-lagged pipes needed specialist removal.
They conducted an asbestos-risk assessment.

American English

The asbestos-contaminated site was cordoned off.
We hired an asbestos-abatement contractor.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Refers to liability, insurance costs, and property devaluation due to its presence.

Academic

Studied in public health, occupational medicine, environmental science, and material history.

Everyday

Used when discussing home renovations, school buildings, or health concerns about old properties.

Technical

Specific types (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite), encapsulation methods, air monitoring, and regulatory compliance.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “asbestos”

Neutral

mineral fibrefireproof materialheat-resistant material

Weak

insulation lagging fireproofing

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “asbestos”

non-toxic insulationsafe materialmodern insulation

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “asbestos”

Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'an asbestos').
Misspelling as 'asbesthos' or 'asbestus'.
Confusing it with similar-sounding 'abestos' (non-existent).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Its use is heavily restricted or banned in most developed countries due to health risks, but it is still used in some developing nations.
: The primary diseases are asbestosis (scarring of the lungs), lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen).
: Not if it is in good condition and left undisturbed. The danger arises when the material is damaged or disturbed, releasing microscopic fibres into the air.
: It is the professional term for the procedures used to control fibre release from asbestos-containing materials, including removal, encapsulation, or enclosure.
: A naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is highly resistant to heat, fire, and chemical damage.
: Asbestos is usually technical, formal, historical in register.
: Asbestos: in British English it is pronounced /æsˈbɛstɒs/, and in American English it is pronounced /æsˈbɛstəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'As Best to Avoid' – the first two syllables sound like 'as best', and it's best to avoid this dangerous material.

Conceptual Metaphor

A SLEEPING DRAGON / A TICKING TIME BOMB (dormant but potentially deadly if disturbed).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Before any demolition work can begin, the contractor must provide a full survey to identify any potential in the building's fabric.

Multiple Choice

In which context is the word 'asbestos' most likely to be used today?