This Web site is dedicated to helping increase awareness about asbestos in America today. It describes the background of asbestos use in the U.S. and the relationship between asbestos and diseases such as mesothelioma. It also discusses timely issues such as legislation, regulations, and other current events regarding asbestos exposure and the rights of asbestos victims, as well as ways you can get involved in promoting positive change.

The Asbestos Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information of current interest. However, it is provided with the understanding that the information is subject to change at any time and will not be applied to a specific situation without first contacting the appropriate authorities regarding the specific, current requirements and seeking the advice of an appropriate professional.

A meeting entitled "Directions and Needs in Asbestos Research Conference - New Insights" is scheduled to be held July 28 and 29, 2005 at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana, by the Center for Environmental Health Sciences (CEHS). The conference is a follow-up to one hosted by the CEHS in June, 2002, and continues to take advantage of opportunities to work with a unique population in Libby, MT, where significant asbestos exposures have occurred due to the mining of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite.

An estimated 1.3 million employees in construction and general industry face significant asbestos exposure on the job. Heaviest exposures occur in the construction industry, particularly during the removal of asbestos during renovation or demolition. Employees are also likely to be exposed during the manufacture of asbestos products (such as textiles, friction products, insulation, and other building materials) and during automotive brake and clutch repair work. Asbestos is well recognized as a health hazard and is highly regulated. OSHA and EPA asbestos rules are intertwined.

A fact sheet about asbestos, asbestos-related diseases, and who to contact for more information. What is asbestos? How is asbestos used? What are the health hazards of exposure to asbestos? Who is at risk? How great is the risk? How does smoking affect risk? Who needs to be examined? How can workers protect themselves? Will the Government provide examinations and treatment for asbestos-related conditions? What about insurance coverage?

EPA provides various paths for the public to access information about asbestos. On this website, you may access general informationabout asbestos and its health effects. EPA has also developed a list of commonly used Asbestos acronyms. You may also read about what to do if you suspect asbestos in your home or your school (en Espanol - Asbestos en las Escuelas). If you are in the automotive repair industry, you may want to read EPA's questions and answers about asbestos in brakes.

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was commonly used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. Where Is It Found? What Are the Health Effects? What Can Be Done? Can I Do the Work Myself?

The Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) - Asbestos Page. This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about asbestos. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects.

European Asbestos Conference 2003: Exchange of experiences and insights and implementation of measures intended to prevent asbestos-induced illnesses at work. Technical and occupational-health aspects - Occupational diseases - Prevention.