A naturally occurring, fibrous mineral that was formerly used in many construction and industrial products because of its resistance to heat and acids. Today it is known to be highly hazardous to health.
example
Bei der Sanierung des alten Schulgebäudes musste der Asbest von einer Spezialfirma entfernt werden.
During the renovation of the old school building, the asbestos had to be removed by a specialist company.
Usage tips
Use as a material noun
'Asbest' (asbestos) is a material noun and is therefore usually used without an article in the singular, similar to 'Wasser' (water) or 'Holz' (wood).
EXAMPLE
In vielen alten Häusern wurde Asbest verbaut.
Asbestos was installed in many old houses.
Typical combinations
The word is often combined with verbs like 'entfernen' (to remove) or 'sanieren' (to remediate/renovate), and adjectives like 'belastet' (contaminated) or 'gesundheitsgefährdend' (hazardous to health).
EXAMPLE
Das Dach ist mit Asbest belastet und muss saniert werden.
The roof is contaminated with asbestos and has to be remediated.
Context: danger and remediation
'Asbest' (asbestos) almost always appears in a negative context connected with danger, health damage, and the labor-intensive removal from old buildings.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt strenge Vorschriften für den Umgang mit Asbest auf Baustellen.
There are strict regulations for handling asbestos on construction sites.