Asbestos is a natural mineral that is mined in various parts of the world. Asbestos can be toxic when inhaled. The inhalation of asbestos dust can cause lung cancer. In the late 1980’s asbestos was banned from use because of its toxic nature.
The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the ban, regulations, and phase out of asbestos. The regulation is TSCA (15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq.) You can freely read it on the EPA’s website regarding the control of toxic substances.
Where can you find asbestos around the home? If you have a house that is older than 1990 for example you can find asbestos in electrical wiring insulation, and in building insulation. It was used in insulation because it is fire resistant and has a high insulating factor. Asbestos was used in electrical wiring for stoves and hot plates because it was a high heat resistance.
If your home is older than 1990 I recommend you remove and replace everything in your home that could contain asbestos. For your health and the health of your family remove asbestos.
In the late 80’s the EPA issued a ban on the use of asbestos but was overturned in 1991. There are still asbestos containing products on the shelves of stores in the United States. However, because of the ban and subsequent overturn in 1991 any consumer product containing asbestos has to be clearly label. If you buy asbestos containing products there will be a consumer warning label on it notifying you of the asbestos.
If you are a do it yourselfer, or home mechanic be cautious of asbestos. Most of the older cars (2000) used brake shoes containing asbestos. Houses from 1995 and older may still contain asbestos in some of the building materials used. Wear a protective mask anytime you work around asbestos to avoid inhaling the dust.