Asbestos is still everywhere, but whenever it's found (at least where I live), it's red alert and specialist cleanup crews suit up and come in to dispose of it safely. Most countries banned its use, but I just read that Russia still mines and uses it in construction.
Not my experience. It’s often removed by unlicensed handy men who don’t have any training or much awareness and who will tell you candidly that they think it’s not really dangerous anyway. At least that’s been my experience as a renter here in the bay area.
For some kinds, you really don't have to worry that much, e.g. removing asbestos-containing floor tile by prying up (vs. trying to grind it away) only requires that you double-bag it when you take it to the landfill, and there's a recommendation to wet it down to prevent dust, and to wear a mask.
But yeah also there's totally unlicensed folks ripping lagging off old boilers in a t-shirt. No worries, they usually filter it thru a cigarette.
