Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, became widely used in the 20th century for its heat resistance and insulating properties. However, as the health risks associated with asbestos exposure became apparent, regulatory measures were implemented to control and eventually ban its use. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began regulating asbestos in the late 1970s. A significant step came in 1989 with the EPA's Asbestos Ban and Phase-Out Rule, which aimed to eliminate many asbestos-containing products. Although parts of this rule were overturned in 1991, substantial restrictions remain. Many countries worldwide have since adopted similar regulations, although some still permit limited use.