True or false: Asbestos is banned in the U.S.You might be surprised to know the answer is false. Currently, asbestos, a naturally occurring fiber that’s often used because of its fire resistance and strength, is allowed at a level of 1 percent in many products. Asbestos is known to cause cancer and other respiratory illnesses.

Worldwide, 40 countries have bans on asbestos, including all countries in the European Union. A ban on asbestos passed the Senate but is still in committee in the House of Representatives. Read on