June 30, 2026
Given that its health risks are well-documented, some people may wonder: is asbestos still used today? The answer may come as a surprise. Despite being banned in more than 50 countries, chrysotile asbestos—a known carcinogen—is still used in U.S. manufacturing. This begs the question: why is asbestos still used, given it is known to pose a danger to human health?
What was asbestos used for in construction?
Due to its fiber strength and heat-resistant properties, asbestos has been widely used in a wide range of manufacturing settings.
Asbestos has been used for insulation, roofing and fireproofing, as well as other uses. It has also been used in the maritime and shipbuilding industries (to insulate boilers, steam pipes and hot water pipes) and in the automotive industry, among many others. For home building, asbestos has been used in ceiling and floor tiles, paints, coatings, adhesives and plastics.
The widespread use of asbestos has led to generations of workers and others being exposed to cancer-causing asbestos particles having proper protection.
What products is asbestos still used in today?
There are more than 3,000 known products that may contain asbestos. Here’s a list of some commercially available products:
How does asbestos form?
Asbestos is the name given to a class of naturally occurring mineral fibers found in large natural deposits in rock and soil. Asbestos fibers are useful in industrial and commercial applications because of their strength, flexibility, and electrical and heat-resistant properties.
Asbestos is dangerous because the microscopic fibers can be released into the air and inhaled. They can then accumulate in the lungs, causing respiratory illnesses, asbestosis, and cancer.
What are the properties of asbestos?
The properties of asbestos fibers include its strength (wear and friction characteristics), flexibility, superior thermal properties (heat stability), adsorption capacity and resistance to chemical, thermal and biological degradation.
Asbestos is the generic name for six different naturally occurring fibrous minerals. All forms of asbestos are resistant to heat, fire, chemical and biological breakdown. Other properties of asbestos is that the fibers do not burn, do not undergo significant reactions with most chemicals, and do not break down significantly in the environment. These properties have made asbestos useful in a wide range of manufactured products.
What health effects are associated with asbestos?
Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung disease and some forms of cancer.
The major health effects associated with asbestos exposure are:
What was the 2024 ban on asbestos?
In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a rule that prohibited the use of chrysotile asbestos, the only known form of asbestos being used or imported to the United States.
Putting an end to the use of asbestos in the U.S. was part of former President Joe Biden’s initiative to end cancer. While the Trump administration had initially been reconsidering the Biden-era rule to prohibit the use of asbestos, the administration ultimately reversed course following a public outcry.
How We Help Victims of Asbestos Exposure
Seek justice with the help of our experienced asbestos attorneys. Our asbestos law firm has represented individuals like you affected by asbestos exposure for over 20 years, aggressively fighting the corporate giants responsible for their dangerous products. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos or suffered from a disease caused by asbestos, like mesothelioma, we can help.
Our Results
Historic settlement for over 1,300 survivors of clergy and adult abuse within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for justice.
A Philadelphia jury awarded a record verdict against ExxonMobil for failing to warn about cancer risks due to benzene in its petroleum products.
Private equity firm and co-defendants agree to pay $25M in Medicaid fraud case alleging mental health services provided by unqualified providers.
That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win.
