Asbestos Exposure Lawyer, William Kherkher

Asbestos through the Ages

Asbestos has a long history of use that goes back to the Ancient Greeks more than 2,000 years ago. It has been used for everything from funeral robes, to table cloths, and to steam pipe insulation.

The Ancient Greeks were among the first to use the material. They used it as the eternal flame for the Vestal Virgins as well as the funeral robes for royalty. While they appreciated its flame retardant abilities, the Greeks also noted the harmful biological effects of the material. The Greeks and Romans both observed the “sickness of the lungs” in the slaves that were responsible for weaving asbestos into cloth. They were in such awe of asbestos’ “magical” properties that they ignored the symptoms.

During the Middle Ages, use of asbestos declined. It is rumored that Charlemagne had tablecloths made from asbestos. Marco Polo was also reportedly shown items made from asbestos-based cloth on his world travels.

Asbestos made a comeback during the 18th century, but didn’t become really popular again until the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century. During the Industrial Revolution, it was used as an insulator for steam pipes, turbines, ovens, and a variety of other high-temperature factory components. During this time, the ancient observations of the health risks associated with the magical fiber were either ignored or forgotten.

During the 20th century, researchers began noticing a number of deaths and lung problems in asbestos mining towns. The first diagnosis of asbestosis was made in 1924. A 33 year old woman who had been working with asbestos since she was 13 was the first diagnosed victim of asbestosis.

Contact an Asbestos Lawyer

If you have been exposed to this dangerous fiber, contact the asbestos exposure lawyers of Williams Kherkher at 1-866-950-9000 to discuss your case and to determine your legal options.