Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once hailed for its remarkable properties, has a history steeped in both ancient utility and modern tragedy. Despite its early recognition as a "miracle mineral" by civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans, the dark side of asbestos was also evident to our ancestors, who noticed its detrimental health effects on workers. Fast forward to the Industrial Revolution, and the use of asbestos skyrocketed, only to be met with a devastating health crisis among workers and their families. It took nearly a century of mounting evidence and countless affected lives before an outright ban on asbestos was implemented. This article delves into the history of asbestos, the delay in banning its commercial use, and the corporate pursuit of profit at the expense of worker safety.
Asbestos has been extracted and utilized for over 3,000 years, with its first known uses dating back to ancient civilizations. The Greeks, Egyptians, Persians, and Romans employed asbestos in various applications, from candle wicks and clothing to building materials and fireproofing. The term "asbestos" itself is derived from the Greek word for "inextinguishable," a testament to its fire-resistant qualities.
Contrary to the belief that asbestos-related health issues are a contemporary discovery, historical records indicate that the ancients were aware of the mineral's hazardous nature. Reports from Roman times document concerns over the health of asbestos miners and craftsmen, with some advocating for protective measures like early dust masks to shield workers from inhaling asbestos fibers.
The Industrial Revolution marked a significant increase in asbestos use, with its applications expanding to include insulation for pipes and boilers, steam locomotives, brake linings, and fire doors. The mineral's versatility seemed boundless, leading to millions of tons of asbestos being consumed for various purposes. However, this period also saw a rise in asbestos-related diseases among workers and their families, who were often unwittingly exposed to the hazardous dust brought home on the clothing of laborers.
Despite early recognition of the dangers posed by asbestos, it took an inordinate amount of time for governments and industries to take decisive action. In 1898, The Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories and Workshops in the UK highlighted the "easily demonstrated danger" of asbestos dust to workers' health. Yet, it wasn't until the late 20th century that comprehensive bans on asbestos use were enacted in many countries.
Throughout the 20th century, even as evidence of asbestos-related health risks mounted, many companies continued to prioritize profits over worker safety. Employers often failed to implement protective measures or to inform their workers about the dangers of asbestos exposure. This corporate concealment has led to a legacy of suffering, with diseases like malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening, and pleural plaques affecting countless individuals.
Mesothelioma, a cancer directly linked to asbestos exposure, is particularly aggressive and often fatal. According to the American Cancer Society, patients diagnosed with mesothelioma typically have a life expectancy of just 9 to 12 months. There is currently no cure for this devastating disease, making the historical corporate cover-up even more egregious.
Today, more than 60 countries have banned asbestos, recognizing its significant health risks. However, some nations, including the United States, have yet to implement a comprehensive ban. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 125 million people worldwide are still exposed to asbestos at work, highlighting the ongoing challenge of eradicating this hazard.
Despite the known dangers, asbestos remains present in many older buildings and products. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States continues to monitor and regulate asbestos-containing materials, emphasizing the importance of proper management and abatement to prevent exposure.
The history of asbestos serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of prioritizing economic gain over human health. As we continue to grapple with the legacy of asbestos use, it is crucial to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated with other materials and that worker safety is always at the forefront of industrial practices.
Introduction to Asbestos And Asbestos Disease: 10 Key Facts
Key facts about asbestos and asbestos disease including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening and pleural plaques.
Mesothelioma, Asbestos Lung Cancer, Asbestosis, Pleural Thickening & Pleural Plaques
There are five main asbestos diseases including asbestos cancer that can develop following exposure to asbestos fibres: malignant asbestos mesothelioma cancer, asbestos lung cancer, asbestosis, asbestos pleural thickening and asbestos pleural plaques, however, doctors who do not regularly diagnose asbestos disease can misdiagnose (or be slow to give a diagnosis) what the condition is. This can lead to sufferers of asbestos disease wrongly concluding they do not have a right to make an asbestos compensation claim. It is therefore extremely important for sufferers of lung disease who have been exposed to asbestos fibres to immediately contact a specialist asbestos lawyer.
