The Foundation of Asbestos
For over 4,500 years, asbestos—known as the “magic mineral”—has been prized for its fire-resistant properties. Its origins trace back to Greece, where it was woven into fireproof textiles and named “amiantus,” meaning “resistance to fire.” Similar discoveries occurred in Finland, where asbestos was used to strengthen clay pottery. By the 1600s and 1700s, the Royal Society of England’s research promoted its use in clothing like coats, sleeve ruffles, and shirts.
The modern asbestos industry emerged in Italy during the early 1800s, with textile manufacturers becoming global suppliers. Mass production soon followed, and asbestos was used in book covers, fireproof paint, and steam pipe insulation. By 1907, the Hatschek process allowed for the mass production of fireproof building materials, cementing asbestos as a vital component in construction and industry. During World War I and the Great Depression, its demand declined temporarily but rebounded by 1929, expanding into water pipes and automobile components such as brakes and gaskets.
Discovering the Risks
In 1918, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published alarming data showing early deaths among asbestos workers. By the 1930s, Dr. E.R.A. Merewether’s research directly linked asbestos exposure to asbestosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. England responded by introducing safety measures, such as requiring businesses to install ventilation and exhaust systems.
The first U.S. case of asbestosis was reported in 1933, and by 1943, a connection between asbestos and lung cancer was established. A mesothelioma-like tumor was documented.
d in 1953, followed by definitive evidence in 1955 linking asbestos to cancer, earning it the label of carcinogen.
Regulating Asbestos
Health concerns in the 1970s triggered a decline in asbestos production and consumption. Lawsuits from affected workers forced manufacturers to issue warnings and adopt stricter regulations. In 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) categorized asbestos as a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act. This was followed by the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which regulated asbestos use, disposal, and development.
Most recently, in March 2024, the EPA officially banned chrysolite asbestos in the U.S., halting its importation and usage. This landmark decision reflects decades of advocacy for public safety and awareness of asbestos’ dangers.
Contact ERC for Professional Asbestos Services
For more than 30 years, ERC Environmental and Construction has safeguarded homes and businesses in Texas and Louisiana from hazardous asbestos materials. Whether you need asbestos detection, removal, or consultation, ERC’s expertise ensures your safety and peace of mind. Contact us today to protect your environment.
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Sources:
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2016). Asbestos Toxicity: Where is Asbestos Found?
- Alleman, James E.; Mossman, Brooke T (July 1997). “Asbestos Revisited” (PDF). Scientific American. 277 (1): 54–57.
- Kazan-Allen, Laurie (15 July 2019). “Chronology of Asbestos Bans and Restrictions”. International Ban Asbestos Secretariat.
- Mayo Clinic. (2018). Asbestosis.