What is asbestos?

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Asbestos is a family of mineral silicates that form long, thin fibers. When materials containing asbestos are crushed or disturbed, those minerals can break down into airborne dust fibers. Inhaled fibers can lodge in the lungs for many years and cause serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Because of these health risks, asbestos-containing materials are tightly controlled and any removal is done by trained professionals using protective engineering controls and procedures. This set of features clearly distinguishes asbestos from a liquid chemical, a gas, or a metal alloy.