The history of asbestos

The History of Asbestos: From Ancient Times to Modern-Day Concerns

Early Uses of Asbestos

Asbestos naturally occurs on every continent and has been used for thousands of years.

• Stone Age Origins: Asbestos fibers date back 750,000 years. By 4000 BC, long, hair-like fibers were used as wicks in lamps and candles.
• Egyptian Preservation: Around 2000–3000 BC, Egyptian pharaohs’ bodies were wrapped in asbestos cloth to prevent deterioration.
• Roman Innovations: Romans wove asbestos into cloth for tablecloths and napkins. These were cleaned by throwing them into fire, emerging unharmed and whiter.

Ancient Concerns About Health Risks

While the Greeks and Romans admired asbestos, they noticed its harmful effects:

Roman Records: Pliny the Elder described diseases in slaves who mined asbestos and mentioned early protective measures, such as using goat or lamb bladder membranes as rudimentary respirators.

Greek Observations: Strabo, a Greek geographer, noted lung sickness in slaves who worked with asbestos.

The Middle Ages and Asbestos

First Crusade: In 1095, soldiers used flaming bags of tar wrapped in asbestos to attack cities during sieges.

Charlemagne’s Tablecloth: In 755, King Charlemagne of France owned an asbestos tablecloth to prevent accidental fires during feasts.

Asbestos During the Industrial Revolution

The Reintroduction of Asbestos

Asbestos reappeared in the UK in the 1700s, gaining widespread use during the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s. Factories opened across the globe, discovering new applications for the mineral.

• Italian Paper: Chrysotile asbestos paper emerged in the early 1700s and was later used in Italian banknotes.
• Fire Brigade Gear: Parisian firefighters in the 1850s wore asbestos jackets and helmets.

Industries Leading Asbestos Demand

Shipbuilding: Shipyards relied heavily on asbestos for insulation during wartime, driving demand even higher.

Railways: Engineers used asbestos for insulation in pipework, boilers, and steam locomotives. Steam locomotives from this era still exist today. In 2016, our team removed asbestos pipe insulation from one such locomotive.

Asbestos in the 20th Century

Recognition of Health Risks

• First Recorded Death (1906): Researchers linked asbestos to numerous deaths, particularly in mining communities.
• Asbestosis Diagnosed (1924): Nellie Kershaw, a textile worker exposed to asbestos from the age of 13, died at 33. Her case spurred a nationwide study revealing that 25% of asbestos workers showed signs of asbestos-related diseases.

Partial Bans and Continued Use

Despite evidence of harm, asbestos remained widely used.

1999: Chrysotile (white asbestos) was finally banned.

1970: A voluntary UK ban on Crocidolite (blue asbestos) was introduced but had little effect.

1974: The Health and Safety at Work Act forced employers to address workplace hazards, including asbestos.

1985: The UK officially banned Amosite (brown asbestos) and Crocidolite.

The Ongoing Impact of Asbestos

Rising Deaths

• Over 5000 people in the UK die annually from asbestos-related illnesses.
• These numbers continue to rise, reflecting past exposure during the material’s peak use.

Importance of Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos remains a hidden threat in older buildings. Regular surveys and professional removal are crucial to prevent exposure and protect public health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did ancient civilizations use asbestos, and what were notable examples?

A: Ancient Egyptians wrapped pharaohs in asbestos to preserve their bodies. Romans used asbestos cloth for table settings, and King Charlemagne owned an asbestos tablecloth to prevent fire damage during feasts.

Q: When did scientists first identify asbestos-related health risks?

A: Concerns about asbestos date back to ancient Greece and Rome. However, the first recorded asbestos-related death occurred in 1906, and the first diagnosis of asbestosis followed in 1924, sparking wider awareness.

Q: Why is asbestos still a concern in buildings constructed before 2000?

A: Asbestos was widely used in construction until its ban in 1999. Many older buildings still contain asbestos materials, making regular surveys essential for safety.

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Conclusion: A Persistent Legacy

The history of asbestos spans thousands of years, from ancient innovations to industrial revolutions. While its dangers are now widely recognized, the material’s legacy continues to affect public health. Regular asbestos surveys and responsible management are vital to ensuring safety and preventing further harm.

For professional asbestos surveys and removal, visit Complete Asbestos Surveys to ensure safety and compliance.