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Asbestos (Greek a-, "not"; sbestos, "extinguishable") is a group of fibrous metamorphic minerals. The name is derived for its historical use in lamp wicks. It was also used in fabrics such as
Egyptian burial cloths and Charlemagne's tablecloth, which, according to legend, he threw in a fire to clean. The fibers are typically
mixed with cement or woven into fabric or mats. It is used in buildings for its flame-retardant and insulating properties, its
tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals.
Asbestos is now known to be carcinogenic and is banned in many countries.
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