Blanket ban on asbestos and popular demonising makes no sense at all. It is not like Mercury metal. There's number of crystalline forms and 'behaviours', and obviously, exposure to many of these fibers is creating health risk. Thoroughly tested. With limited use of safe forms or safe handling, it is optimal material in many niche applications. 

Tom,

Asbestos was banned from use in 1999 onwards.

It is because it is a very dangerous material.

My father died in 2010 from Mesothelioma.

I don't think it is an accurate description as "optimal material in many niche applications" when so many people continue to die from contact with it.

Tom,

Asbestos was banned from use in 1999 onwards.

It is because it is a very dangerous material.

My father died in 2010 from Mesothelioma.

I don't think it is an accurate description as "optimal material in many niche applications" when so many people continue to die from contact with it.

The ban was necessary, the only way to protect the population and workers from widespread use of weakly controlled supply of asbestos forms. Even talcum powder can cause mesothelioma. Because of very widespread use, it is more dangerous than chrysolite, which is least dangerous from of asbestos, and not banned just in Russia. Engineering is the art of honest compromise, and exposure to dangerous materials can be reduced, by safeguarding or elimination, whatever makes more sense.  

The map shows in dark colour the countries where asbestos ban is in place.
It does not mean there is no awareness and limits to its use anywhere else.