Chrysotile asbestos, a form of serpentine , is the chief commercial asbestos.
Asbestos is mined both in open quarries and underground.
Since the 1960s, asbestos has been recognized as a potent carcinogen and serious health hazard. In 1972, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration began regulating asbestos and strengthening work safety standards. Large class action lawsuits were filed and won against asbestos companies, which had probable prior knowledge of the dangers involved. Most current asbestos exposure comes from asbestos in older buildings and products such as automobile brakes. Listing from Electric Library , a pay service.