Even with the knowledge of all the health conditions asbestos has been known to be linked to, there are still products which are developed which contain asbestos. Many of the products which are developed have been established as low exposure possibilities to those who use them. While some are noxious, others seem to be a little more risky. Even though the uses are deemed safe today, does not rule out the possibility that they are actually harmful to your health in the long run. After all, there have been many things like smoking cigarettes which have been considered to pose no health risks, which have later proven to be extremely damaging to your health.

The EPA has gone the rounds with the asbestos industry to get to the point that they are at now. Currently only products which have been established as using asbestos before 1989 are allowed to still be in production. Most of the products used are for industrial purposes, but things like crayons have also been found to have some asbestos used in it. While there are very few products which allow the use of asbestos, most will not feel completely safe until all asbestos is banned from use.

Industrial Applications

The majority of applications which asbestos is used for these days are in the industrial community. Things like fire resistant equipment are still produced to protect those who are to come in direct contact with high heat. It is also used to protect important systems which will be damaged if they come into direct contact with high heat. While the material is no longer used as insulation in public buildings, there are several pipe insulations which are still used to this day which contain a high amount of asbestos. Even with being contained, they can possibly pose a risk.

Hidden Applications

Even more disturbing is the use of asbestos to this day in things like crayons and gardening supplies. As mentioned above, the government has determined that the risk level is minimal. However, the risk is still present and it creates a danger which many do not want to have to deal with. After all, the long term risks of even low level exposure will not be fully known until decades later when the disease like mesothelioma might take effect.

Reducing Usage

Increased awareness of asbestos and the diseases that it is linked to has created a scenario in which many have pushed for asbestos not to be used. Other businesses have voluntarily stopped using asbestos in their products so that they will not have to run the risk of being condemned by the public for using something which is known to be dangerous to the public. The decrease in consumption is on the steady decline in the United States, but there is still a large amount being used in Eastern European countries and in Russia. It is hoped that over time the usage of asbestos will drop to zero to protect everyone.