Asbestos Highly heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics. Its large-scale mining began at the end of the 19th century, when manufacturers and builders began using asbestos for its desirable physical properties:sound absorption, average tensile strength, resistance to fire, heat, electricity, and affordability. However, prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious and fatal illnesses including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. |