History of Asbestos
People have used asbestos for centuries due to its strength, fire resistance, and insulation properties. It has appeared in hundreds of products over time.
The ancient Greeks wove asbestos into cloth, while the Romans used it in construction materials. In modern history, industries applied asbestos in boiler insulation, soundproofing, fireproofing, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and transite pipes and sheets.
Early Historical Use of Asbestos
Strabo, a Greek geologist from the first century, described asbestos fibers as material that could be combed, woven into cloth, and cleaned by fire. Roman author Pliny the Elder also praised asbestos as indestructible and said it protected against magical spells.
However, both Strabo and Pliny noted health problems among slaves who worked closely with asbestos. These early warnings were ignored for centuries.
Asbestos in the 20th Century
Asbestos became popular in the U.S. in the early 1900s. Its use peaked during World War II and continued into the 1970s. Companies exposed hundreds of thousands of workers to asbestos, leading to many health problems and deaths.
Over 30 million tons of asbestos were used in constructing homes, schools, factories, and shipyards. It also appeared in consumer products like toasters, ironing boards, dryers, and insulation materials.
Table: Common Asbestos Uses by Industry
| Industry / Area | Common Uses of Asbestos |
|---|---|
| Construction | Roofing, siding, floor tiles, insulation |
| Military | Shipbuilding, barracks insulation, fireproofing |
| Household Items | Toasters, dryers, ironing boards |
| Industrial Equipment | Boilers, turbines, pipes |
Scientific Evidence and Public Risk
Medical studies published in the 1940s suggested a link between asbestos exposure and cancer. By 1955, scientists confirmed that asbestos could cause lung cancer, particularly Mesothelioma.
Despite the evidence, many companies kept using asbestos. They ignored safer alternatives and failed to warn workers or the public about the dangers. As a result, thousands suffered illnesses due to long-term exposure.
Insurance Industry and Hidden Knowledge
How Insurance Companies Suppressed Asbestos Information
In 1931, a Metropolitan Life study revealed that 42 of 195 Canadian miners had asbestosis. The company never published this study. Internal documents later showed that executives advised plant managers not to warn workers about asbestos risks.
Documents Reveal Early Knowledge of Health Risks
In the 1930s and 1940s, companies like Liberty Mutual and Travelers Insurance tracked asbestos-related deaths and illnesses. However, they failed to release any public findings. In 1937, Commercial Union Insurance wrote in its manual that asbestosis likely leads to death, but this too remained hidden.
Impact on Workers and Legal Responses
Lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers began as early as 1929. Over time, many victims and families received compensation. OSHA, created in 1971, introduced the first federal asbestos safety standards. By the 1980s, asbestos removal (abatement) had become a regulated industry.
Testing and Identifying Asbestos
The only reliable method to identify asbestos in materials is lab testing. In Wisconsin, residents and businesses may send samples to the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene for confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos
When was asbestos first used?
Asbestos was used as early as ancient Greece and Rome, mainly in clothing and building materials.
How was asbestos linked to cancer?
Research in the 1940s and 1950s confirmed that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma and other lung diseases.
Why did manufacturers continue using asbestos?
Despite knowing the risks, manufacturers prioritized profit over safety and ignored safer alternatives.
How can I know if something contains asbestos?
The only accurate way is to send a sample to a certified lab for analysis. Visual inspection is not enough.
What role did insurance companies play?
Insurance companies had data linking asbestos to disease but chose not to inform the public or affected workers.
External Sources and Further Reading
