Asbestos is a known carcinogen. Asbestos-related risks have been estimated on the basis of data from the past, when professional exposures were higher than today. Fibres are present in the environment due to erosion of surface deposits and human activities unrelated to asbestos industry. If searched for, asbestos fibres are often found post mortem. Bias can be encountered in asbestos research e.g. attributing of mesothelioma or lung cancer to asbestos if fibres are found, although cause-effect relationships remain unproven. Some studies rely on work or residence histories of questionable reliability. It can be reasonably assumed that the non-use of asbestos-containing brakes, fireproofing and insulation has increased the damage and numbers of victims of traffic accidents, fires and armed conflicts. Today, when a probability of conflicts seems to be enhanced, the attitude to asbestos should be changed. Asbestos is banned in some countries, while others continue production and exports. Some anti-asbestos activists have apparently served certain governments or companies. The same is partly true for the anti-nuclear activism. Different asbestos types have their technical advantages and preferred application areas. Reliable information about toxicity of fibres can be obtained in lifelong bioassays.