Asbestos is the name given various naturally occurring fibrous silicate that were frequently mined for their strength and versatility of use through the 1960’s. During this time asbestos found its way into thousands of household products and was used for its insulative and fire retardant properties in millions of buildings throughout the world.

Asbestos is made up of millions of microscopic bundles of asbestos fibers. When asbestos is damages or disturbed these tiny fibers can break off and float like dust in the air. If these asbestos fibers are inhaled they can settle into the bottom of the lungs and over time cause serious health problems and eventually the life-threatening asbestos-related cancer known as mesothelioma.

Contrary to popular belief the use of asbestos is not banned in the United States, but its use is strictly regulated by the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. In 1989 the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency placed a ban on asbestos; however, two years later circuit court of appeal overturned the regulations. Worldwide at least 60 countries, including the entire EU, have banned the use of asbestos in some form. Australia and France have enacted nationwide bans on the importation of all forms of asbestos.