Asbestos history |
21st July 2010 |
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| The use of asbestos can be traced as far back as 4000BC when it was used
for wicks in lamps and candles. |
| In 2000 to 3000 BC the Egyptians recognized its unique properties and
embalmed bodies of Pharaohs in asbestos clothes to offset the ravages of time. |
| Evidence since 2000 BC indicates asbestos being used throughout
the world in many different ways for every day use, for example, in mats, to strengthen clay pots, table clothes
and in cremation clothes. |
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| The last three hundred years has seen a more prolific and innovative
use of asbestos: |
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| 1724: Benjamin Franklin brought a purse made out of
asbestos to England. The purse is now in the National History Museum. |
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| 1886: Asbestos pipe lagging materials were developed. |
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| 1896: The first asbestos brake linings were manufactured. |
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| 1897: Viennese physician wrote that emaciation and pulmonary problems
left no doubt that asbestos dust inhalation was the cause. |
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| 1906: British Physician, Dr Murray, diagnosed death of a worker from
asbestos disease.Reported to British Government, enquiry into compensation for industrial disease. |
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| 1913: The first asbestos pipe was developed in Italy. |
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| 1918: The Prudential Insurance Company in New York refused to
sell personal life insurance to asbestos workers. |
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| 1945 to 1975: Construction projects relied greatly on the use of
asbestos, reaching an all time high in 1973. |
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| 1955: Sir Robert Doll's report (epidemiologist) confirmed
link between asbestos and lung cancer. |
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| 1960: Professor Chris Wagner established a link between asbestos
exposure and mesothelioma. |
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| 1969: Professor Wagner's findings resulted in regulations
and the virtual banning of blue asbestos in the UK. |
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| 1987: Control of asbestos at work regulations 1987 |
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| 1999: The UK banned new use through the Asbestos
Prohibitions Amendment regulations. |
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Asbestos Regulations |
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| 1931: The first set of asbestos regulations was provided to
highlight the dangers of exposure to asbestos. |
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| 1930 to 1940: Asbestos became widely used in the UK |
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| 1932: Report of Inspector of Factories: Prolonged exposure
to asbestos dust could cause asbestosis, a fatal disease. |
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| 1938: report of Inspector of Factories, "One of the greatest
problems facing the industry today is that of dust". Report described asbestos as "highly dangerous".
Drew attention to the possibility of a link between asbestosis and cancer. |
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| 1945: Letter sent out by Mr Garrett, Chief Inspector of Factories.
Expresses concern in considerable development of use of asbestos during the war years in shipbuilding and ship
repairing industries. Various measures recommended. |
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| 1947: Report of Inspector of Factories. Of 235 cases of asbestosis,
cancer of lungs or pleura found to be present in 31. |
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| 1955: Sir Richard Dolls report (epidemiologist) confirmed the link
between asbestos and lung cancer. |
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| 1960: Professor Chris Wagner established a link between
asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. |
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| 1969: Wagner's findings resulted in regulations and the virtual
banning of blue asbestos in the UK.Now all asbestos use is prohibited in the UK. |
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| 1987: Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 |
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| 1999: The UK banned new use through the Asbestos (Prohibitions)
(Amendment) regulations. |
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