Asbestos became a popular commercial product to manufacturers and builders in the early 1900's to the 1970's. Asbestos is durable, fire retardant, resists corrosion, and insulates well. It is estimated that 3,000 different types of commercial products contain some amount of asbestos. The use of asbestos ranges from paper products and brake linings to floor tiles and insulation. Asbestos becomes a problem when due to damage, disturbance, or deterioration over time, the material releases fibers into the air.
Asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems.
If inhaled, these tiny fibers can cause normal functions of the lungs to be disturbed. Exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis. It could take anywhere from 20 to 30 years after the first exposure for symptoms to occur. Severe health problems from exposure have been experienced by workers who held jobs in industries such as shipbuilding, mining, milling, and fabricating. Regulations Governing Asbestos.