Asbestos History

Asbestos

During the industrial revolution asbestos was in high demand. Because it was inexpensive and excellent at insulation and fireproofing, it was mass produced. Then officials began to connect the growing number of asbestos related disease and cause of death in towns where asbestos was mined.

During the 1930s medical journals started documenting links from cancer to asbestos. Yet despite medical evidence companies continued to produce asbestos. Corporate executives ignored warnings, and continued to allow their employees and their families to be exposed to the hazards surrounding its production. There were even efforts made to cover up information that would educate employees about precautions that could be taken. This cover up was all done in an effort to prevent potential clients from being warded off. Profit was made the priority, over the lives of many people.

This of course was grounds for legal claims, and the first suit was filed in 1929. Thousands of suits have followed against those in management who made the decisions putting their employees lives on the line.