also: せきめん
Refers to the fibrous mineral used historically for insulation and fireproofing. The loanword アスベスト is also widely used.
See also: アスベスト
Old buildings sometimes contain asbestos.
Health hazards from asbestos have become a problem.
Standard kanji form; the reading いしわた is the most common.
Alternate on'yomi reading, less common in modern usage.
Compound of 石 (stone) and 綿 (cotton), referring to the fibrous, cotton-like appearance of the mineral.