The History of Asbestos: Then & Now

For centuries, being endowed with unique physical and

chemical properties, extremely valuable had been asbestos to
man. Enamored by its potential, humans worldwide valued
asbestos and embraced it for commercial purposes. But today
on discovering its pernicious and carcinogenic qualities they
reject it, almost entirely. Do know more in detail about
Asbestos Removal Companies Kent and Asbestos Removal Cost
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Existing as bundles of fibers, asbestos has a high tensile

strength, resistance to heat and chemicals, flexibility, high
electrical resistance, and malleability. Hence, it had been an
important ingredient in construction-related products. It had
also found a wide usage in the manufacture of fire-retardant
clothing and vehicle brake pads.

Man first courted asbestos in Finland's Lake Juojärvi region,

where it was used for bolstering earthenwares. The ancient
Greeks named it, 'Amintos', meaning, "undefiled", "pure". The
Persian king Khosrow II Parviz (r. 531–579) mesmerized his
guests by cleaning asbestos in the fire, while Emperor
Charlemagne (800–814) used an asbestos tablecloth.
Archaeologists believe that ancient king's bodies were burned
in asbestos shrouds to preserve their unmixed ashes.

In the mid-19th century, Italy pioneered the production of

asbestos paper and cloth. The UK started mining in1870 in
Glasgow's Clydebank area, while Canada, Russia, Italy, South
Africa were making their respective marks in the industry. The
US, which was to later become a prominent player started its
operations in1899. By the end of the century, asbestos'
application flourished and was found in almost 3000 products.

However, the mid-twentieth century shook the faith in

asbestos as several studies in the UK linked lung ailments and
early deaths among worker to its inhalation. In 1931 the
coining of the term ‘mesothelioma’ the Parliament passed the
Asbestos Industry Regulations. The US government made a
similar legislation. The US Court documents of the 1970s also
proved that asbestos industry officials since the 1930s
remaining on its hazardous effects.

By 2005 the UK and EU governments had completely banned

the import and use of asbestos, America's last mine closed in
2002. Asbestos, the once glorified mineral, today, mostly lies in
the grave of abandon.