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Contents Introduction Mining & Use Effects & Epidemiology Legislation Structure Abatement & Analysis Case Study: Libby, Montana Case Study: El Dorado Hills, California Conclusion

For thousands of years asbestos was the miracle fiber. Only recently have the harmful effects become known. Efforts to ban and remove asbestos in the United States have made progress but there are still a lot buildings containing ACM. Many countries still regularly mine and use asbestos in construction and products. In today's global economy with billions of dollars of imports into the U.S., many ACM products are still available. If the Ban Asbestos in America Act becomes law it will take great vigilance to find and remove all ACM.

Special thanks to Maria Latyszewskyj, Head, Environment Canada Library, Downsview and Melissa Kane, National Resource Council librarian

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