Asbestos is a widely used, mineral-based material that is resistant to heat and corrosive chemicals. Asbestos fibers enter the body by inhalation of airborne particles or by ingestion and can become embedded in the tissues of the respiratory or digestive systems. Years of exposure to asbestos can cause numerous disabling or fatal diseases. The Occupational Safety and Health Admin. (OSHA) regulates asbestos exposure in industry thereby causing a significant decline in the use of asbestos-containing materials. This document contains an overview of OSHA¿s worker protection requirements for exposure to asbestos in industry and describes the steps an employer must take to reduce the levels of asbestos in the workplace.