A little bit Asbestos history
WHS Legislation across Australia requires workers to complete asbestos awareness training for businesses where workers may encounter asbestos ensure that they are aware of how to protect themselves. This post discusses some of the ancient and recent history and how this mineral still exists in our work and home environment and may be a hazard to our health.
This is a naturally occurring material that exists across the world. In some locations it was mined in open cut mines and others follow veins of the material underground.
– Ancient artifacts from over 750,000 years ago out of the stone age contain fibers.
– Asbestos was found in the clay pots in Finland that date back to 2500 B.C.
– The bodies of Egyptian pharaohs were embalmed and wrapped in asbestos cloth to protect the bodies from deterioration.
– It is believed that Romans wove asbestos fibers into a cloth-like material that was then used as tablecloths and napkins, there are records that these cloths were cleaned by throwing them into a blistering fire. Then in much to the amazement of the guests when removed from the fire they came out intact and clean.
All through history there were documented reports of its harmful effects on those who mined the material from the stone quarries.
One of these reports came from a noted Roman historian, naturalist and philosopher, Pliny the Elder, documented a “disease of slaves”. He also described the use of a thin membrane from the bladder of a goat or lamb used by the slave miners as an early respirator in an attempt to protect them from inhaling the harmful fibers as they labored. Though it would be nearly 2,000 years before scientists discovered the cause of this mysterious illness and name its effects.
Much more historical evidence is available to demonstrate the wide and varied use of fibers into products that both strengthened and added fire resistance.
Current issues with Asbestos Containing Material (ACM)
Today most countries have ceased mining; importing and using the product while other countries continue. As of mid 2022 Japan received stock out of China essentially bathroom essentials that were found to be ACM. Australia is not immune to imports from other countries that continue to use ACM or do not have processes in place to ensure that the final product does not contain ACM. Our Border Force continue to monitor all incoming products in an effort to stop this material at our border.
Unfortunately, we still have our own legacy to deal with having been a major contributor to the ACM we have produced in Australia. Many building products we still have in homes built in the early 90’s contains asbestos. we also have the remanence of mines littered across the country where previous mines have been left with no remediation, leaving the above ground asbestos fibers to be blown or washed further away and towards communities creating an increased risk.
Our flagrant use of the product is best demonstrated by the use of the loose fill asbestos to insulate homes in Canberra. The company that won the contract sprayed the loose product into the ceilings of over 1000 houses during the 60’s and 70’s. there is also evidence that other companied sold bags of the ACM to homeowners or contractors to continue to spread the product. Most of these buildings have now been completely demolished as the attempt to remove the asbestos did not work.
ACM is not only used in housing construction and can be in toys, ‘clay based’ drawing pens, electrical equipment and car parts. Exposure to ACM is a risk and should be avoided. However, should be put into perspective.
“As of May 1 2019, 699 mesothelioma deaths from 2018 were recorded on the Australian Mesothelioma Registry, which is managed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).” https://www.aihw.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/2019/august/almost-700-australians-died-from-mesothelioma-in-2
“The most recent estimate of deaths caused by tobacco in Australia is for the year 2018. Tobacco use caused a total of 20,500 deaths in that year. This includes deaths from active smoking and from exposure to secondhand smoke.”
Final words
There is a legal requirement to ensure that people (workers, contractors and visitors) should be aware of asbestos in the workplace. People should also be aware that they may encounter it in their home or other environment. It can take over 30 years for the symptoms to appear with very little medical recourse. Asbestos awareness training will assist in empowering workers to be aware of the risks and avoid exposure.
We have more information relating to Asbestos Awareness Training, Asbestos Awareness and History of Asbestos for you to peruse if required.
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