Because asbestos is fibrous and very durable, it was used in many products for heat protection and as a binder. The physical properties that give asbestos its resistance to heat and decay are linked with several adverse human health effects.
Asbestos tends to break into a dust of microscopic fibers.
Because of their size and shape, these tiny fibers can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and can easily penetrate body tissues when inhaled. Because of their durability, these fibers can remain in the body for many years. Lack of warning or appropriate safeguards have caused many people to be unnecessarily exposed to these hazardous fibers. Unfortunately, many companies were aware of the health hazards yet failed to warn the users or put adequate warnings on their product. Some companies actually hid their knowledge of this hazard from their customers.