In 1996, the EPA lifted the total ban on asbestos allowing it to be used to a limited degree in non-friable products. As a result, there are asbestos containing products on the market today. A new building does not mean that it is asbestos-free. There are some myths circulating today that asbestos is not as dangerous as it was once claimed to be. This is not true.
Asbestos is a carcinogen and exposure to it can lead to several types of health effects.
Health effects from exposure to asbestos have a delayed effect or latency period. Health effects resulting from exposure to asbestos may not appear for 10 to 40 years after the exposure. Exposure to asbestos does not necessarily create health problems. Although, people exposed to higher concentrations of airborne asbestos have a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.