US environmental think-tank, the Environmental Working Group launched a website on asbestos on March 2004.
Reports on their website highlight that since 1979, at least 43,073 people have died from exposure to this mineral in the US.
EWG predicts at least 100,000 more will die of asbestos-related diseases over the next 10 years and warns that more than 1 million people are still being exposed to it in the everyday environment.
US governement prohibited new uses of asbestos in 1989 after discovering the dangerous health effects of inhalating asbestos particles.
Asbestos is a incombustible fibrous silicate mineral. It is used as a heat-resistant commonly used until the mid-1970s for thousands of industrial and consumer products, including concrete, shingles, wallboards, automotive brakes, kitchen appliances, blow-dryers, electric blankets, even crayons.
The EWG is a US non-for profit independent organisation which produces scientific reports on health and environmental issues. They receive funding from private foundations, individuals and corporations.