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Listen to Dangers in the Dust.

Sign warning of asbestos danger

Asbestos has been linked to the deaths of millions of people around the world.

All types of asbestos been banned in New Zealand since the 1980s, but it was widely used before then and many buildings here still contain asbestos particularly in rooves and walls.

But a handful of countries still mine white asbestos, which the industry says is less harzardous than the blue and brown forms.

Many scientists believe asbestos deaths will only stop once all its forms are banned.

The BBC's Steve Bradshaw, with help from the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, looks at both sides of the debate.