Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has many uses. It can still be found in many types of building materials and insulation products, as well as in chemical filters and brake linings. The actual fiber is so small that it can only be positively identified with a special type of microscope. Unfortunately, it has been determined that breathing high levels of asbestos can lead to lung cancer, a chronic lung inflammation called asbestosis, or a cancer of the chest lining called mesethelioma. attacks on early asbestos producers and those who knew o ....