Seriously, except for the horrific issues with the stuff, it would be an essential material for various applications.

Its resistance to fire, heat transfer, etc would do wonders for insulation and construction.

Doesn't burn, really hard to wear out, you can just dig it out of the ground, easy to shape and repair.

Except it kills people, and it hurts the whole time they're dying.

"If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation..."

Oh my god. Blue asbestos is the worst kind, or best if mesothelioma is your thing. Every single one of the people in that picture died from pulmonary issues.

My grandparents old farm had an asbestos carpet under their current carpet. I'm very very happy I was around to spot that, and for having audited a lot of abatement companies.

It also had asbestos roofing, but at least we weren't about to rip that up by hand

But like, why asbestos?

Why can't they shovel sand or dirt or something?

Oh oh, I've got one too. It's not containing Asbestos but Thorium (or Radium respectively) tho.

"Doramad radioactive toothpaste"

"Creates natural freshness in the mouth!"

"Special biological healing effects by radium rays. A thousand times medically prescribed and recommended."

"What does Doramad do? Through its radioactivity, it increases the defenses of teeth and gums. The cells are charged with a new vigorous life energy, which inhibits bacteria in their destructive ability. Hence the exquisite prevention and healing effect on gum diseases. Polishes enamel to the softest shiny white. Prevents tartar approach. Good foam, new taste, pleasant, mild and refreshing. Use extensively."

Quick disclaimer: The last two quotes can be found on Wikipedia but they are not backed up with sources.

Is this double cancer?

Aw fuck, I knew I remembered that shit from childhood.

they already are

Plastic is not very reactive. This property makes it generally not directly harmful to organic health, but also notoriously slow to decompose, causing huge amounts of pollution. I think it's misleading to compare it to asbestos.

I'm pretty sure we could go back to using it, with more precautions in place, better binders, etc. Hell, it's still used in many parts

Is there a way to keep it inert when the next homeowner starts tearing down drywall and drilling holes in stuff?

Asbestos generation laughing at the Romans and their use of lead