History of Asbestos
From ancient civilisations to its widespread industrial use, asbestos has a long and complex history. This page explores how it became a popular material, the health concerns that emerged, and the subsequent global effort to regulate and ban its use.
Asbestos in Ancient Civilisations
The use of asbestos dates back at least 4,500 years. Archaeological evidence reveals that early cultures recognised its unique properties:
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Finland: As early as 2500 BCE, asbestos fibres were used to strengthen earthenware pots.
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Egypt: Ancient Egyptians used asbestos in burial shrouds to preserve the bodies of pharaohs.
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Greece and Rome:
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The term "asbestos" originates from the Greek word meaning "inextinguishable."
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The Romans used asbestos in lamp wicks, tablecloths, and napkins, even noting its fire resistance.
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Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder observed health problems among slaves who worked with asbestos, offering early evidence of its dangers.
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Image Credit: ERS net
Asbestos in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, asbestos was used in textiles, particularly for protective garments. Examples include:
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Charlemagne’s Tablecloths: Legend claims that King Charlemagne of France used asbestos tablecloths to amaze guests by throwing them into the fire for cleaning.
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Medieval Armour: Asbestos-lined armour offered additional protection for soldiers.
Despite its occasional use, asbestos remained relatively rare due to the challenges of mining and processing it.
Image Credit: Talbot Master, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Asbestos
The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries marked a turning point in asbestos history. Advances in mining and manufacturing made asbestos widely accessible.
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Mining Boom:
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Large asbestos mines were established in Canada, South Africa, and Russia.
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By the late 19th century, global asbestos production was growing rapidly.
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Industrial Uses:
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Asbestos was used in insulation, roofing, and brake linings due to its heat resistance and durability.
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Factories, shipyards, and railways became major consumers of asbestos products.
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Health Concerns Emerge:
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By the 1890s, doctors began noticing respiratory problems among asbestos workers.
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Despite early warnings, the material’s benefits outweighed concerns for many industries.
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20th Century: The Asbestos Boom
The 20th century saw asbestos reach its peak popularity, with its use spanning construction, automotive, and military applications.
World War II:
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Asbestos was heavily used in shipbuilding, tanks, and aircraft for its fireproofing properties.
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Thousands of military personnel and workers were exposed to asbestos during this time.
Post-War Construction Boom:
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Asbestos cement sheets, insulation, and roofing materials became standard in homes and commercial buildings.
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By the 1960s, asbestos was found in thousands of products worldwide.
The Emerging Health Crisis
By the mid-20th century, scientific research confirmed the link between asbestos exposure and severe health conditions.
Key Health Discoveries:
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In the 1920s, asbestosis, a lung disease caused by asbestos exposure, was identified.
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In the 1960s, mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer, was definitively linked to asbestos.
Whistleblowers and Awareness:
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Reports in the 1970s exposed how asbestos manufacturers had suppressed information about its health risks for decades.
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Public health campaigns began to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos.
Decline and Bans
From the late 20th century, the use of asbestos declined rapidly due to growing awareness of its health risks.
UK Ban:
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In the 1980s, blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite) asbestos were banned in the UK.
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By 1999, the UK implemented a complete ban on asbestos use.
Global Bans:
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Many countries followed suit, though some, including the United States and China, still allow limited use of asbestos.
Asbestos Today: A Legacy of Risk
Despite the bans, asbestos remains a significant threat, particularly in older buildings. Materials containing asbestos are still present in homes, schools, and workplaces constructed before 2000.
Common Locations:
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Roofing, floor tiles, pipe insulation, and textured coatings (e.g., Artex).
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Garage roofs and asbestos cement sheets.
Management and Removal:
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In the UK, strict regulations require duty holders to manage asbestos in non-domestic properties safely.
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Removal and disposal must be carried out by licensed professionals.
Conclusion
The history of asbestos is a story of innovation overshadowed by tragedy. Once valued as a miracle material, its devastating health effects have left a lasting legacy. While its use is now banned in the UK, asbestos still poses a threat in older buildings, making awareness and proper management essential.
If you suspect asbestos in your property, always seek professional advice to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
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