Because of all the high profile court cases and legal settlements in the United States, many people think that the importation of asbestos-containing products into the US is now illegal, but this is not the case. Asbestos-containing products are still being imported from countries like Canada and Mexico and these products are being used in pipelines, roofing, floor tile and many other construction related materials.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted an asbestos survey in the mid 1980's. In that survey, the EPA concluded that 20 percent of all buildings in the United States--including schools and office buildings--contain cancer causing asbestos.