The History of Asbestos

Asbestos has its beginnings in ancient times, where Egyptians used asbestos as part of the process of mummifying bodies. Romans contained the ashes with asbestos by wrapping the dead before cremation. Other uses of asbestos was discovered later.

It was only in the early 1900's that asbestos was discovered to be carcinogenic, leading to mesothelioma or the cancer of the lungs. Britain was probably the first country restricting the use of asbestos in 1931. Canada followed alter by regulating the use of protective gear for asbestos workers. America implemented restrictions on the use of asbestos only in 1972. With the strict restrictions and precautions on asbestos use to day, other substances with similar properties are used in substitution. Such as, synthetic fibers of fiberglass and plastics.