What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of fine, durable fibres that are heat-resistant, fireproof, and had great insulating properties. It is a silicate mineral that can be divided into two main types: serpentine (curly fibres) and amphibole (straight fibres).
Asbestos was historically used in a wide range of products because of its strength, resistance to heat and fire, and insulating properties. Common uses included construction materials (like insulation, roofing, and flooring), automotive parts (such as brake pads), and even textiles (fire-resistant clothing).
However, over time, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos fibres, particularly when they become airborne and are inhaled, can lead to serious health problems. Long-term exposure is linked to conditions like asbestosis (a lung disease), mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer), and lung cancer. As a result, the use of asbestos has been heavily regulated or banned in many countries since the late 20th century.
When was it used the most?
Asbestos was most widely used between the late 19th century and the mid-20th century, with its peak usage occurring from the 1940s to the 1970s. During this time, asbestos was valued for its heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties, making it a common material in construction, shipbuilding, automotive parts, and various industrial applications.
It was especially prevalent in:
- Building materials: Such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and cement.
- Automotive parts: Brake pads, clutches, and gaskets.
- Shipbuilding: Insulation for pipes and boilers.
- Textiles: Fire-resistant clothing and materials.
Its widespread use began to decline in the late 1970s and 1980s due to growing awareness of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Many countries have since implemented bans or restrictions on asbestos use. UKATA United kingdom asbestos training association formed in 2008 to work with professionals to help to deal with the dangers of asbestos.
When was Asbestos first used
The use of asbestos dates back thousands of years. The earliest recorded use of asbestos is from around 4,500 years ago in ancient civilizations. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans are known to have used asbestos for various purposes, primarily because of its heat-resistant properties.
- Ancient Egyptians: They used asbestos to create fireproof wrappings for the bodies of mummies.
- Ancient Greeks and Romans: They used asbestos for clothing (such as fire-resistant garments) and in construction materials, like flooring and building foundations.
Asbestos use remained relatively limited in these early periods, primarily due to its scarcity and the difficulty of mining and working with it. The widespread industrial use of asbestos began much later, in the 19th century, when it was more easily mined and processed, leading to its extensive use in the 20th century.
UKATA asbestos awareness training
Here at SAMS we deliver the UKATA asbestos awareness training in a number of different ways, with an e learning course you can log in anytime and get qualified, with our UKATA Asbestos awareness tutor led course this can be completed at our training room, in your workplace or remotely over zoom