http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Toxic-Substances-C6/Asbestos-P70/News/ What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber that has been used in a wide variety of products, including insulation of homes and office buildings, due to its ability to resist heat, and the flame retardant properties of asbestos. Research has shown that although asbestos has many useful qualities in building construction, hundreds of thousands of American deaths have been attributed to the inhalation of asbestos. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of asbestos deaths reached 1,493 in the year 2000 alone. Exposure to asbestos fibers has been shown to possibly cause a number of ... en-us http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Toxic-Substances-C6/Asbestos-P70/News/PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation and a demolition contractor face a $36,000 federal penalty to settle alleged violations of federal standards on asbestos removal.