In 30 years we will be seeing class action lawsuits and regulatory action about bacteria-inhibiting polymers contaminating food supply and particles in the oceans.
No one will look back and estimate the number of lives saved; they and their lawyers will simply bankrupt the company that productizes this technology.
It's interesting you say that, as i remember seeing an article years ago about asbestos in water pipes in California, and thought the same as you (i think) imply: that's got to be super dangerous.
I’d have to know more details. There is one type of asbestos that causes silicosis, and two that your body can manage (at least when aspirated). I’m not sure how easy it is to select one over the other and avoid getting sued, though.
No one will look back and estimate the number of lives saved; they and their lawyers will simply bankrupt the company that productizes this technology.