
Do I Really Have to Think About Asbestos in 2016? Here’s What You Need to Consider
Researchers in the United States started recognizing the dangers of asbestos in the early 20thcentury. Still many major industries continued to use asbestos to create structures and goods throughout the 20th century, hitting its peak in the U.S. from 1940 to 1975. Though the Environmental Protection Agency banned products containing asbestos in 1989, most of this ban was lifted in 1991. The United States stopped producing asbestos in 2002, but it still imports approximately 3,000 tons per year. This may cause you to wonder, is asbestos still something to worry about in 2016? What You Need to Know About Asbestos Many people are not aware that asbestos is still being used in the United States as most commercial uses of asbestos are still allowed. Here’s what you need to know about asbestos and whether or not it still poses a threat to you and your family. What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a group of minerals that are made up of long, thin fibers, which cannot be seen by the naked eye. These minerals occur naturally in six different forms, mostly in underground rock. Asbestos is a highly durable material that is resistant to heat, fire, and chemical damage. The material works