asbestos

ass-BESS-tuss

meaning in plain English

A group of natural minerals that form long, thin fibers and were once widely used to make things fireproof, but breathing in their dust can cause serious health problems.

Picture a fire‑proof blanket made of tiny, dangerous fibers— that’s asbestos, the mineral that keeps flames out but health in.

for example

Breathing in asbestos dust over time can lead to lung disease.