Type:
Term: Mineral FiberDefinition: A type of fiber derived from minerals, including asbestos, which is used in various industrial applications due to its heat-resistant properties.Phonetic Pronunciation: (MIN-er-al FIE-ber)Origin: The term "mineral" comes from the Latin word "minera," meaning ore or essence, while "fiber" derives from the Latin "fibra," referring to a thread or filament. Together, they describe threads or filaments sourced from mineral substances.Significance in Asbestos Context: Mineral fibers, particularly asbestos, are significant in the asbestos context because their unique properties, such as resistance to heat and chemicals, led to widespread use in construction and manufacturing. However, these same properties can make asbestos fibers dangerous when inhaled, leading to serious health issues.Example Sentence: The insulation in the old building was made of mineral fiber, specifically asbestos, which posed a health risk to the workers.Related Terms: Asbestos, Chrysotile, Crocidolite, Amosite, InsulationNotes:
- Not all mineral fibers are asbestos, but asbestos is a type of mineral fiber.
- The term "mineral fiber" can also refer to non-asbestos fibers used in similar applications.
