Any of the fibrous amphibole and serpentine minerals, especially chrysolite and tremolite that are incombustible and resistant to chemicals. It was formerly widely used in the form of fabric or board as a heat-resistant structural material. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis or mesothelioma. See CONTROL OF WORK REGULATIONS ASBESTOS 2002. AT

Under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002, owners of non-domestic premises contemplating major refurbishment or demolition must arrange a survey sufficient to become alerted to any asbestos that may be disturbed. Guidance on what constitutes a survey is in HSE document MDHS 100.

A characteristic fibrotic condition of the lungs caused by inhalation of asbestos dust or fibres. The disease makes breathing difficult and is often fatal after being latent for between 20 and 40 years. Sometimes the term is used to include all asbestos-related diseases, e.g. mesothelioma intersitial pulmonary fibrosis and bronchial or laryngeal carcinomas. The disease produces long-tail liability claims in employers’ liability insurance and in public liability. See TRIPLE TRIGGER THEORY.