History of asbestos use
Asbestos was used by the ancient Greeks and the Romans, although its use and commercial importance increased dramatically with the industrial revolution. Annual world production peaked at 5m tonnes in the mid 1970’s, and the substance lent its name to cities in Canada and Russia where production became a major industry. There are six main forms of asbestos:
Chrysotile (White) Anthophyllite
Crocidolite (Blue) Tremolite
Amosite (Brown) Actinolite
The first column includes the most commonly used forms, with Chrysotile asbestos taking approximately 95% of all usage. The colours attributed are not detectable as such in manufactured products.
Both the Greeks and Romans knew of adverse health effects relating to asbestos, but it was the early 20th century before its widespread use caused major concern. Asbestosis was first diagnosed in England in 1924 and the first laws governing use of the material were passed in 1931.
Even so, it was the 1980’s before health concerns overcame the commercial benefits of asbestos, and its use declined as legislation was introduced around the world. Use of bulk loose asbestos had generally ceased by the mid 1980’s, and amosite and crocidolite (the most common hazardous forms) were banned in the UK in 1985. Use of chrysotile continued in to the 1990’s until its incorporation in to cement products was finally banned in 1999.
