white asbestos
- noun
- /waɪt æsˈbɛstəs/
- Specialized
:
asbesto blanco
- Many older homes still have white asbestos materials.
Examples
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Regulations now restrict the use of white asbestos in most construction projects.
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The building contained white asbestos in its insulation.
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Although less dangerous than other forms, white asbestos can still pose serious health risks.
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Many older buildings contain white asbestos in their insulation materials.
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Chrysotile, commonly known as white asbestos, is often found in insulation materials.
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Construction workers should be cautious when handling white asbestos due to its health risks.
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Many older buildings contain white asbestos, which was used for its fire-resistant properties.
Synonyms
66
6.3
A mineral made of thin fibers once used in buildings that resists heat and causes lung disease when breathed in
1
9.9
A grey or green mineral made of thin threads used in building materials that can harm the lungs if inhaled
A white or pale green mineral sometimes used as asbestos
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'white' describes a type/variety of 'asbestos', so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a (color‑named) kind of asbestos. Even though the mineral called "white asbestos" may not be perfectly white in practice, the modification pattern is standard and predictable for B1 learners.
Etymology
White asbestos gets its name from the pale colour white and the fibrous mineral asbestos, which looks like soft, wool-like fibres and was used in old insulation and fireproofing. So the name simply describes this lighter-coloured form of the mineral.