The History of Asbestos Use: Lessons Learned for a Safer Future

Asbestos, once hailed as a miracle material for its versatility and durability, has a history marked by widespread use, hidden dangers, and significant human cost. For much of the 20th century, asbestos was a staple in construction, manufacturing, and industrial applications. However, the discovery of its severe health hazards has transformed its legacy into one of caution and reform.

This blog explores the historical use of asbestos, the journey toward recognizing its risks, and how the lessons learned continue to shape safety standards and legal asbestos advocacy today.

The Origins and Historical Use of Asbestos

From its early use by ancient civilizations to its widespread adoption during the Industrial Revolution, asbestos has revealed both a remarkable utility and hidden dangers that would later emerge.

Early Beginnings

The use of asbestos dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, valued asbestos for its heat resistance and ability to be woven into fabrics. The material’s name derives from a Greek word meaning “inextinguishable,” reflecting its fireproof properties. Even in antiquity, however, there were hints of its dangers; Roman historian Pliny the Elder noted respiratory issues among slaves who wove asbestos into textiles.

Industrial Boom

As the Industrial Revolution gained momentum in the 19th century, the demand for asbestos surged. Its unique properties—fire resistance, tensile strength, and insulating capabilities—made it a prized material across a range of industries. Key applications included:

Construction

Used in cement, roofing shingles, floor tiles, and insulation.

Shipbuilding

Incorporated into fireproof materials and insulation on naval and commercial ships.

Automotive

Found in brake pads, clutches, and gaskets.

Consumer Products

Integrated into everyday items like ironing boards, toasters, and hairdryers.

The industrial boom of the early 20th century cemented asbestos as an essential material in manufacturing and infrastructure development.

The Discovery of Health Risks

Despite its widespread use, reports of asbestos-related illnesses began surfacing as early as the late 1800s. By the 1920s and 1930s, it was firmly established by medical science that asbestos dust caused asbestosis (a lung scarring disease) and lung cancer.

The Emergence of Mesothelioma

One of the most devastating health consequences of asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining surrounding the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testacies. By 1950, it was firmly established that asbestos was the cause of mesothelioma.

Corporate Cover-Ups

Throughout the 20th century, evidence emerged that asbestos manufacturers were well aware of the material’s dangers but deliberately suppressed information to protect their profits. Internal documents revealed that companies prioritized financial gain over worker safety, knowingly exposing employees to life-threatening conditions.

The Path to Regulation and Awareness

The growing body of evidence against asbestos eventually led to public outcry and regulatory action. However, the journey toward comprehensive regulation was slow and fraught with resistance from powerful industry stakeholders.

Some of the key milestones in regulation include:

1960s and 1970s: Awareness Grows

Investigative journalism and scientific research brought asbestos-related health risks to the forefront. Workers and their families began seeking justice through lawsuits, which helped to amplify awareness. In the U.S., agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began implementing asbestos exposure limits and safety standards.

1980s: Bans and Restrictions

Many countries enacted bans or severe restrictions on asbestos use. In 1989, the EPA issued the Asbestos Ban and Phase-Out Rule, though it was overturned after industry sued in 1991.

Global Bans

Over 60 countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada, have since implemented complete bans on asbestos. In 2023, the U.S. Congress finally passed a ban that will slowly phase out the remaining uses of asbestos over many years.

Legal Advocacy

The fight against asbestos extended into the legal realm, where victims and their families sought accountability from manufacturers.

4 Lessons Learned from the Asbestos Crisis

The asbestos crisis serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of corporate negligence and the importance of proactive safety measures. These lessons have had a lasting impact on public health, workplace safety, and consumer protection.

1. Transparency Is Essential

The asbestos industry’s history of suppressing information highlights the need for transparency in product safety. Manufacturers must be held to higher standards of disclosure, ensuring consumers and workers are aware of potential risks.

2. The Importance of Regulation

Regulatory agencies play a critical role in protecting public health. The asbestos crisis demonstrated the necessity of strict enforcement of safety standards and continuous monitoring of emerging risks.

3. Advocacy and Litigation Drive Change

Legal advocacy has been instrumental in securing justice for asbestos victims and pushing for systemic reforms. The wave of lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers sent a powerful message about corporate accountability, influencing other industries to prioritize safety.

4. Long-Term Health Monitoring Is Crucial

The lengthy latency period of asbestos-related diseases underscores the importance of long-term health monitoring for individuals exposed to hazardous materials. Early detection can save lives and improve outcomes for affected individuals.

Shaping a Safer Future

The lessons learned from asbestos extend beyond this single material, informing how society approaches other occupational and environmental hazards. Today, industries and governments are more vigilant in identifying and mitigating risks associated with new technologies and materials.

Examples of progress include:

Improved Worker Protections

Enhanced safety standards and protective equipment help reduce occupational exposure to harmful substances.

Ban on Similar Substances

The lessons of asbestos have influenced bans on other hazardous materials, such as lead in paint and certain chemical pesticides.

Focus on Asbestos Alternatives

Researchers and manufacturers continue to develop safer alternatives to asbestos for use in construction and industrial applications.

Lessons for the Next Generation

The history of asbestos use is a cautionary tale of how the pursuit of profit can overshadow human health and safety. While the material’s dangers are now well-documented, its legacy continues to impact workers, families, and communities worldwide. 

By learning from the past, society can build a safer future. Advocacy, regulation, and vigilance are essential in preventing similar tragedies from occurring. Individuals affected by asbestos exposure are encouraged to seek legal support.

The Role of Legal Advocacy Today – Brayton Purcell LLP

Although asbestos use has declined dramatically, the fight for justice continues. Many individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses face significant medical expenses and loss of income, necessitating legal recourse. Advocacy organizations and law firms specializing in asbestos litigation play a crucial role in holding manufacturers accountable and ensuring victims receive compensation.

Brayton Purcell LLP’s asbestos lawyers have dedicated over 40 years to representing individuals harmed by asbestos exposure. The firm’s legal expertise and unwavering commitment to justice have helped countless clients secure the compensation they deserve. 

Those seeking support can contact Brayton Purcell LLP or call (800) 361-2417 for a free consultation with one of the firm’s asbestos compensation lawyers. Together, society can honor the lessons of the past and work toward a safer, more just future.