OVERVIEW OF ASBESTOS USES, HEALTH EFFECTS, AND REGULATIONS

The unique aspects of asbestos led to its use in thousands of construction products used for insulation, flooring, roofing, wall systems, and many other products. Unfortunately the physical size and shape of asbestos fibers caused major lung diseases and various cancers in those who were occupationally exposed to it during the mining, manufacturing, application, and maintenance of the asbestos-containing building products. This led the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to develop regulations to protect workers exposed to asbestos during construction work. In addition, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed regulations governing the use of asbestos in schools and during renovation and demolition work. Various asbestos-containing products were banned during the 1970s but other products remain legal and are still sold today in the United States.