Sweet gums are so called because they exude a fragrant yellow resinous gum.. The tree is known by a wide variety of names, among them alligator-tree and alligator wood (probably a reference to the warty knobs on the tree's bark), incense tree and liquidambar.
What is asbestos? Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are resistant to heat and corrosion. Because of these properties, asbestos has been used in commercial products such as insulation and fireproofing materials, automotive brakes, and wallboard materials.
These are just extracts, the article has more notes and references. Asbestos is a group of naturally-occurring silicate minerals that are made up of fine, fibrous crystals. Three of these are crocidolite (blue asbestos), amosite (brown or grey asbestos) and chrysotile (white asbestos).Asbestos becomes a hazard when microscopic fibre fragments become airborne and are inhaled.ut by one of the most unfortunate sleights of hand in scientific history, this demonisation was extended to include white or chrysotile asbestos, magnesium silicate, just because it shares the same name. a product that poses no risk to human health and is chemically identical to talcum powder.