Asbestos is a classic example of a naturally-occurring substance that can be a deadly health hazard. Dodson (U. of Texas Health Center, Tyler) and Hammar (a Bremerton, WA clinical pathologist specializing in asbestos-related lung disease) introduce eight chapters by US authorities comprehensively covering the long history of commercial mining of these two families of useful minerals; why the human respiratory system is vulnerable to asbestosis and asbestos-induced lung cancer; and the features, epidemiology, and diagnosis of such diseases. A core curriculum for physicians is presented covering clinical and legal issues. A summary of US asbestos-related regulations is appended.