Why Did We Continue to Use Asbestos Despite Knowing the Dangers?

Asbestos, with its significant advantages over other available materials at the time, played a critical role in various industries due to its unique properties. However, the knowledge of the hazards associated with asbestos exposure was lacking for many years. This article delves into the reasons why asbestos was widely used even after its harmful effects became evident.

Advantages of Asbestos

Fireproof and Heat Resistant: One of the most compelling reasons for the widespread use of asbestos was its fireproof nature and excellent heat resistance. During a time when building fires and onboard accidents were common, the ability to create materials that could eliminate or significantly reduce the risk of burns and fires made asbestos an invaluable material. This property was particularly useful in the construction of warships and buildings, ensuring safety in critical environments.

Flexible and Versatile: Asbestos could be transformed into various forms, such as protective body suits, insulating materials, and even woven into cloth. This flexibility allowed it to be used in multiple applications, from protective clothing to building insulation. The ancient Romans even devised a remarkable use for asbestos: napkins that could be used once and then burned to remove any food particles, much like modern paper napkins.

The Hazards of Asbestos Exposure

Lung Irritation and Cancer: Despite its benefits, asbestos poses significant health risks, primarily due to its fibrous nature. When asbestos fibers become airborne and inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs, leading to conditions such as asbestosis and lung cancer. Shipbuilders and workers in factories were particularly at risk due to prolonged exposure to the harmful fibers. The blue variety of asbestos, especially used in ships, is considered more dangerous due to its smaller and more penetrating fibers.

Different Types of Asbestos: Asbestos can be categorized into two main types: blue and white. Blue asbestos, also known as amosite, is known to be more dangerous due to its highly fibrous nature. White asbestos, or chrysotile, was commonly used in construction as an insulator and in various building products. Both types share the common property of being a fibrous mineral, which makes them hazardous when inhaled.

Historical and Modern Use of Asbestos

Widespread Use in Industrial Applications: Asbestos was extensively used in a variety of industrial applications. In shipbuilding, it was used as insulation and fireproofing, particularly in boiler rooms and large ship structures. In construction, white asbestos was mixed with plaster and used in walls, and it was also employed to insulate pipes and other heat-prone areas to prevent over-heating. Additionally, asbestos was used in brake pads, insulation in buildings, and other applications requiring fireproof and heat-resistant materials.

Recognition of Hazards and Regulation: As knowledge of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure grew, its use declined. By the 1970s, asbestos had been recognized as a significant environmental hazard, and its use was largely restricted in many countries. Efforts were made to develop and implement abatement programs to safely remove asbestos from buildings and other structures. Advances in material science have led to the development of numerous alternatives that can replace asbestos.

Conclusion

The continued use of asbestos in various industries, despite the risks it posed, was driven by its exceptional properties and the lack of awareness of its harmful effects. As research and understanding of these hazards evolved, so did the regulatory landscape and the search for safer alternatives. Today, the lessons learned from past exposures to asbestos highlight the importance of balancing innovation and safety in material selection and usage.