The Philippines may join 40 other countries who have said yes to a ban on asbestos. According to GMA News.TV there is a bill currently pending in the Philippine House of Representatives that seeks a nationwide ban on the use of all asbestos-containing products that pose a danger to health. Asbestos is widely used in the construction industry, often being mixed with cement or woven into fabric or mats used for roofing, coatings, friction products and insulation. Known as House Bill 3079, the intent of this legislation is to eliminate the risk of asbestos exposure and asbestos-related illnesses by banning the importation, manufacture, processing or commerical distribution of asbestos-containing products. There is currently a similar bill to ban asbestos pending in the U.S. House of Representatives; it is a companion bill to the Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007 which was passed by the U.S. Senate in October of last year.