Glossary
Actinolite
A type of amphibole asbestos, actinolite is a green mineral comprised of calcium, magnesium, and iron silicate. Actinolite is one of the six fibrous minerals in the asbestos family. Actinolite was never used commercially.
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that originates in the glandular tissue.
Amosite
One of the six fibrous minerals that naturally forms asbestos material. This mineral was commonly found in commercial asbestos products.
Amphibole
An amphibole is a group of silicate minerals containing crystal structures made up of some combination of calcium, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, and iron.
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Asbestos
A type of fire proof and chemical resistant fibrous mineral commonly found in materials used for electric insulation, building materials, chemical filters, brake linings, and fire proofing. Asbestos exposure can result in dangerous conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a persistent, progressive lung disease that results from long-term exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pains, weakness, lung infections, lung damage, and heart failure.
Carcinogenic
A carcinogenic is a substance that causes cancer, such as asbestos or silica.
Carcinoma
A malignant form of cancer that begins in the skin or tissues that lines the organs before spreading to other areas of the body.
Chrysotile
One of the fibrous minerals found in commercial asbestos-containing products. A variety of serpentine, chrisotile was found in almost all industrial asbestos.
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Crocidolite
A member of the amphibole group, crocidolite is also known as blue asbestos. This form of asbestos was found in commercial building materials.
Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of the causes, spread, and distribution of diseases in the population.
Friable
When friable material is dry, it can easily be crumbled into smaller pieces or powder.
Invasive Cancer
Invasive cancer refers to cancer that has spread beyond where it originated to other areas of the body.
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Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the excessive growth of anomalous cells in the lungs.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is typically found in individuals exposed to asbestos. Generally malignant, the tumors start in the tissue or lining of the lungs (mesothelium), especially in the pleura and peritoneum.
Pneumoconiosis
Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease resulting in fibrosis and scarring caused by long-term inhalation of dangerous materials such as metallic or mineral dust. Asbestosis and silicosis are forms of pneumoconiosis.
Serpentine
Serpentine refers to one of the two major groups of minerals used as a source of asbestos.
Silicosis
Silicosis is a lung disease that results from prolonged inhalation of silica dust.
Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is a law that designates how long a period of time a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit. Statutes of limitations are dependent upon the type of case and the state in which the suit is filed.
Tremolite
Tremolite is an amphibole mineral commonly used as a form of asbestos. Tremolite has not been available for commercial use.