E.P.A. Plans to Reconsider a Ban on Cancer-Causing Asbestos Highlight

Asbestos, a set of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have the ability to resist heat, fire and electricity, is linked to an estimated 40,000 deaths annually in the United States. It was first used in construction in the 1930s and became ubiquitous as an insulator in schools, hospitals, homes and offices as well as consumer products.