 Meanwhile, the use of asbestos in the United States actually reached its peak in the post-war years. In Europe and Japan, asbestos was used widely in the construction necessary to rebuild war-torn nations. While in the U.S., the practical uses of asbestos made it become an integral part of thousands of products. Put into brake pads in cars and elevators, used in hair dryers, air conditioners, electric insulation. Fake snow includes that used on the set of The Wizard of Oz. Surgical thread, irons, in the filters of Kent Micronite cigarettes, and even as an abrasive in toothpaste.