Asbestos was a key ingredient in asbestos cement, or transite, until the 1980s. The cement was in turn used to make many building materials and products. But why?

• It reinforced the materials, making them less likely to crack
• It was readily available and cheap
• It mixed well with other ingredients
• It reduced corrosion on products, especially pipes

For these reasons, it was often viewed as a necessary component in many building materials— cement being no exception. That is, until it was found that asbestos exposure poses serious health risks.

Why asbestos is dangerous

The carcinogenic properties of asbestos far outweigh […]