History

• The earliest known source of asbestos was in ancient Greece and Rome. Early scientists noted the lungs of slaves were damaged from weaving the material into clothing.
  
  

Ships

• Since World War II, asbestos was used in shipbuilding to wrap the pipes and cover engine parts. According to a 1980 study conducted by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 86 percent of workers with 20 years of experience in the industry developed lung disease or cancer.
  
  

Brake Pads

• One of the most common sources of asbestos is in brake pads. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the product in 1996, many cars before this era still contain asbestos as of 2009.
  
  

Serpentine

• According to the EPA, the most common source of asbestos in the United States is the layered version known as serpentine. The EPA's Asbestos Building Inspectors Manual states that 95 percent of the country's asbestos is this type and found in drywall, floor tiles and other sources.
  
  

Amphibole

• The amphibole type of asbestos accounts for the remaining 5 percent of asbestos. This is the type found most readily in chemical and thermal insulation.