Unofficial, of course, because the Trump administration has no jurisdiction in Russia, but Trump did openly say asbestos is safe, and the EPA under Scott Pruitt has supported his viewpoint. Russian asbestos company puts Trump’s face on product Russian Asbestos Company Puts Trump's Face, Seal of Approval, on Pallets of Its Products Russian mining firm puts Trump's face on its asbestos products
FYI. Nothing is unsafe, when handled correctly. Conversely, even oxygen will kill you, if handled improperly. Can These Things Actually Kill You?
Asbestos has been a component of brake pads and linings, clutch facings and various gaskets for many years. The car you drive most likely has asbestos brake pads and linings. The asbestos industry in this country has been hamstrung from decades of EPA regulations and lawsuits so if we can get it cheaper from the Russians, that means fewer accidents on the roads.
Mesothelioma is the cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Brake pads and clutch linings have not used asbestos for many years. They are comprised of other elements.
Not so: "Though asbestos brake linings have been mostly phased out, contrary to popular misconception they have not disappeared altogether. According to one original equipment brake supplier, Ford was still using asbestos linings as recently as 1993 on the Crown Victoria to cure a brake noise problem. The same supplier also said asbestos linings are still used on some high end import vehicles such as Land Rover because of their good braking characteristics. What's more, asbestos linings are still readily available in the aftermarket." Asbestos Brake Dust Still A Hazard Then there is the issue of millions of automobiles which have used asbestos-lined brakes for decades and decades. Where did you think all those asbestos fibers that rubbed off of them went to? Do you think they magically disappeared because the EPA passed a few laws? Most likely they're still mixed in with the dirt along the sides of the highways and roads all over this country. Any time a wind whips up the dust, you are most likely breathing in those fibers. Best thing to do is hold your breath for as long as you possibly can, or else you will surely die.