 Asbestos was widely used during the 20th century until the 1970s when public recognition of the health hazards of asbestos dust led to its prohibition in mainstream  construction and fireproofing in most countries.
<clarity>  Asbestos was widely used during the 20th century until the 1970s when public recognition of the health hazards of asbestos dust led to its prohibition in mainstream  construction and fireproofing in most countries.
 Asbestos was widely used across the world as a building material until its effects on human health were recognized in the 1970s when public recognition of the health hazards of asbestos dust led to its prohibition in mainstream construction and fireproofing in most countries.