Chrysotile Asbestos
A fibrous member of the serpentine group of minerals. Chrysotile asbestos fibers are flexible and have a curved morphology. It is the most common form of asbestos used commercially, also referred to as white asbestos.

Fibrosis
A condition marked by the increase of connective, fibrous tissue.

Fibrogenic
Causing or contributing to the fibrotic response mechanism in tissues; commonly refers to substances that contribute to fibrosis of the lungs or liver.

Recommended Exposure Limit (REL)
A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations for up to a 10-hour workday during a 40-hour workweek.

Asbestosis
A progressively restrictive fibrosis of the lung and is recognized as a disabling and fatal occupational disease.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the inside lining of the chest cavity. It is usually associated with asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma
A rare malignant tumor of the lung membrane which lines the chest and abdominal cavity. Malignant mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor of the pleura (lining of the lung and chest cavity) or peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) that is almost always caused by sustained exposure to asbestos.

Pericardial mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a highly lethal and fortunately rare cardiac neoplasm

Laparotomy
Abdominal exploration is a type of surgery where the abdomen is opened (laparotomy) and explored (exploratory laparotomy) for examination and treatment of problems. Might be used in relation to asbestos disease problems.

Abatement
Removal or controlling release of asbestos fibers. Includes operations and maintenance (O & M), encapsulation, enclosure, and removal.