This is not the old asbestos siding,but is the cement board,Hardi-plank,or Hardi board
They were called asbestos shingles because back then the only siding was wood and brick. Asbestos cement board siding provided fire resistant properties similar to brick at less cost. I think you actually got a reduction in your fire insurance if you had brick or asbestos shingles.
The asbestos in the cement mix was eliminated when asbestos "fell out of vogue". I think it was replaced with saw dust and this is the composition that is still used today by Hardi-Plank so it is really nothing new and the same as the old asbestos siding without the asbestos.
-Hal
