A Ticking Time Bomb in the Walls

Asbestos insulation and building materials.

Hailed for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, asbestos was widely used in everything from home insulation and floor tiles to brake pads. It was later discovered that inhaling the microscopic asbestos fibers causes devastating lung diseases, including mesothelioma. While not a full blanket ban, its use is now highly restricted and regulated by the EPA.