Asbestos is a set of six naturally-occurring fibrous minerals that share some traits – they are all long, thin fibers that can be more than 600 times smaller than a human hair, and all are considered human carcinogens. Asbestos is tied to three specific ailments: asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The use of asbestos, and mining to obtain it, dates back more than 4,000 years. However, it wasn’t until the industrial era towards the end of the 19th century that asbestos found wide-scale use. To builders and manufacturers, asbestos was incredibly desirable for its physical properties, including resistance to heat, fire and electrical damage, as well as sound absorption capabilities. Industry also appreciated its low price. Companies used asbestos for building construction, electrical insulation, brakes, cement, engines, boilers, and any applications where fire and chemical resistance were needed.

History of Asbestos Problems

Starting in the early 1900s, with the increase of asbestos use in industry, the need for it grew as well. More and more was mined, and with this escalation, researchers noticed larger numbers of lung issues and deaths in asbestos-mining towns. In 1924, the first case of asbestosis was diagnosed in the United Kingdom. In 1930, a report was presented to parliament detailing the dangers of asbestos inhalation. This report drove the publication in 1931 of the first Asbestos Industry Regulations. But the dangerous industrial environment continued for another 40 years.

Many companies knew about the risks of asbestos exposure, but largely ignored the issue until a number of asbestos lawsuits in the early 1970s forced them to admit their knowledge and responsibility. Now, there are more than 600,000 asbestos lawsuits for asbestos-related ailments in the U.S. with more than 5,000 defendants.

Regulating Health Risks

When undisturbed, asbestos-containing materials are not a risk. The game, however, changes in the work environment. Asbestos fibers become airborne during demolition, construction, repair work, or general upkeep of machinery or materials containing asbestos. Once loose in the workspace, employees unintentionally inhale these microscopic fibers, which can cause a variety of respiratory issues, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Several government agencies are involved in dealing with asbestos issues including the Occupational Safety and Health Organization (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is responsible for managing U.S. environmental laws, and can “sanction, fine or take other measures against violators.” OSHA works to keep employees safe. Under OSHA regulations, shipyard, construction industries, and marine terminal employees are required to wear respirators, and employers to provide them. This is because during World War II, millions of people worked the shipyards, where asbestos was commonly used. The number of those who died from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related complications is still being discovered today. OSHA is working to ensure those numbers don’t continue into the future.