Asbestos History

Asbestos was once thought of as a miracle - a natural mineral that could withstand heat, fire and had tensile strength properties, making it highly desirable. This mineral was first mined by the ancient Greeks, as the Greek word “asbestos” means “inextinguishable” or “unquenchable." Today, asbestos is known more for its hazardous nature and its ominous reputation for causing mesothelioma .
Early Uses of Asbestos

Over the centuries, asbestos has been used in building construction, clothing and even to wrap the deceased. It is believed that deceased royalty were wrapped in asbestos shrouds and burned on funeral pyres. Since their clothing remained intact, the ashes of the body could be easily collected. Tablecloths and garments made of asbestos could be cleaned by tossing them into a fire as witnessed by 13th century Italian explorer Marco Polo. For all of the miraculous properties that asbestos has previously displayed, people that mined for it and worked with it became sick and died premature deaths. There has been documented proof of people experiencing symptoms of lung problems as a result of handling asbestos, even in early times.
Use of Asbestos in Modern Times

When the Industrial Revolution began, the uses for asbestos became even more widespread. The role of the mineral continued to expand as it was being incorporated into materials for ships, refineries and for insulation in the boiler rooms of steam engine trains. Again, the health problems with asbestos did not cease. Thousands of workers, from ship yards to construction sites, were exposed, and many paid a heavy price with their lives.
Continued Use in the 20th Century

Despite the increasing knowledge of the dangers associated with asbestos, the mineral's heavy demand maintained its popularity throughout the 20th Century, with regular use peaking between World War II and the 1960s. It was being used everywhere - in homes, factories, schools, and office buildings. Asbestos was being manufactured in shingles, cement, glue, tile, drywall, plaster, and in car parts. Some cigarettes even had asbestos filters on them.

It was long suspected that asbestos was making people sick, but it was mainly anecdotal. Beginning in the early 1900s, doctors started documenting patients with lung problems as they worked around asbestos. Autopsies confirmed what many already knew - asbestos was the cause behind the chronic bronchitis and pulmonary fibrosis problems being witnessed. Eventually, lung problems associated with asbestos exposure would become known as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

However, the mounting medical evidence still did not stop the asbestos from being used. Only toward the end of the 70s did the U.S. begin to regulate the use of asbestos; although there is still not a total ban in effect. The European Union and Australia have banned the substance entirely, and many other developed nations are beginning to follow suit.

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