Adverse health effects of asbestos have prompted many countries to ban its use, but use and importation continues in many low income and developing countries. Le et al. studied the relationship between national economic development and asbestos use among 135 countries that used asbestos at any time during 19202003. Worldwide asbestos use data were obtained from the U.S.

In response to the health risks posed by asbestos exposure, some countries have imposed strict regulations and adopted bans, whereas other countries have intervened less and continue to use varying quantities of asbestos.