ASBESTOS-HISTORY

1. The history of asbestos dates back to 3000 years and traces of asbestos have been found in pottery and insulation in remote areas of Finland. Egyptians used it in the wicks of eternal flames of the vestal virgins, as funeral dresses for the cremation of kings, and as napkins, burial clothes and table mats.Egyptians also used asbestos in clothes for improving its durability.

2. Romans also used it in cremation and lamp wicks due to its heat and fire resistant qualities. It began to be used in insulating armour for soldiers and warriors. In ancient times items made of asbestos were held to be at par with items made of gold. It was generally used to wrap bodies when bodies were burnt after death to keep the ashes of the body separate from the woods and other burning materials.

3. It gained popularity in the 17th century with the industrial revolution and started to be used as insulation in turbines, boilers, kilns and other high temperature products. The first ever asbestos mine was opened in 1879 at Thetford in Canada. It became a major component in insulation for boilers, fireboxes and pipes in steam locomotives. Construction materials contained asbestos to include insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, siding and cement pipes. The use of asbestos increased greatly during World War II. It was used in ships in pipe fitting, insulators and other parts. Almost 4.3 million people who worked in shipyards were exposed to the risk of asbestos related illness.