Asbestos History

Asbestos is a group of minerals that are found naturally in groupings of strong and supple fibers. Asbestos fibers has been woven into fabric and used as inflammable insulation, mixed with cement to increase strength and durability, and used as flooring and tiling, among other things. Throughout history, asbestos has been recognized as one of the most durable materials, and has been noted for its practical qualities. In fact, asbestos has been discussed in several written documents, some of which are as old as 3000 BC. The Greek word “Asbestos” is even thought to mean “indestructible”. Asbestos has been used in pottery, clothing, suits of armor, and it is even rumored that Charlemagne used asbestos as his tablecloth, which he cleaned by throwing it into the fire. However, it is also important to note that even throughout history, asbestos fibers have been regarded as harmful. Pliny the Elder states in several documents that people exposed to asbestos frequently fell ill, and he even warned slave owners of the dangers of purchasing slaves exposed to asbestos fibers.

In the United States, the Industrial Revolution brought about the widespread use of asbestos. The United States quickly realized the mineral’s durability and non-combustible nature in the early years of commercial asbestos mining. Not only was asbestos noted for its ability to insulate water pipes, incinerators, boilers, brake pads, refrigeration units and fireboxes, it was also important in countless other industries as well. However, the construction and building industries profited most from the use of asbestos. Asbestos fibers were used in siding, tiles, cement pipes, roofs and insulation. In fact, many theaters even used asbestos in stage curtains!

Doctors note that the first asbestos-related death was in 1906. However, even in the late 1800’s many people were suffering from pulmonary problems related to the inhalation of dust and asbestos particles. Unfortunately, even though many doctors and even those who owned asbestos-related companies knew of the dangerous nature of asbestos, they continued to keep those working with asbestos fibers uninformed of the diseases that result from exposure to asbestos. Worse still, because the symptoms of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses usually take many years to develop, the detection and diagnosis of mesothelioma can be tremendously difficult.

Once companies began to become more and more aware of the effects of asbestos exposure, they began to cover up the deaths and illnesses of those working with asbestos. In fact, many companies began to circulate falsified documents which led thousands of workers to believe that they were in little or no danger. There is even documentation that corporate officials fraudulently altered warnings and hid information and studies from workers about the dangers of asbestos.

However, it was not long before those exposed to asbestos were beginning to notice symptoms of mesothelioma and other lung diseases. Unfortunately, the profits from asbestos use were so high at this point that companies took even further measures to cover up the medical problems caused by their companies.

By the 1970’s, government officials began to finally take a stand. There were finally asbestos standards and bans, and the forging of medical documents and other asbestos-related documents surfaced in the public. Many corporate officials in asbestos-industries had not only falsified medical documents, they had also changed documents discussing the dangers of asbestos in order to avoid being sued by employees who were affected by asbestos exposure. In the late 1970’s, the Environmental Protection Agency finally announced a nation-wide ban on the use of asbestos. Sadly, thousands of workers had already been affected by the debilitating effects of asbestos exposure.

Last modified: April 14, 2009