History of Asbestos.?

Diagnosis of lung-related illnesses linked to asbestos exposure occurred as early as 50 AD, during the time the Romans used asbestos. In the 1800s, industries in the United States extensively used asbestos in large manufacturing and milling plants. By the 1900, workers in the industries were already showing signs of asbestos-related diseases, including asbestos cancer and mesothelioma.

Our time line provides you with dates and important information to educate yourself on the truth about how long industries have known of the dangers of asbestos.
Time Line of Key Events

1927 – Dr. W.E. Cook – publishes an article in the British Medical Journal that asbestosis is known to cause death

1930 – Merewether & Price – publishes the first clinical study examining hundreds of workers in England's asbestos industry. The study is released with the following findings:

Asbestos can cause death
Asbestos products are hazardous
Education of workers is key

1932 – Memo on Silicosis and Asbestosis - finds that asbestos products are a health hazard

1935 – Lynch & Smith – Asbestos linked to lung cancer in multiple cases reviewed

1949 – Journal of the American Medical Association – Asbestos causes cancer

1950 – Newsweek – Asbestos causes cancer

1955 – Doll Study – Sir William Richard Doll was a renowned British physiologist. He published that asbestos caused cancer, which he indicated was proven beyond a doubt

1960 – Wagner Study – Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma

1964 – Dr. Irving Selikoff study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Science – Asbestos products cause cancer

1965 – Selikoff / Hueper Publication – Many occupations are in danger of asbestos cancer

1972 – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Asbestos regulations passed

1977 – Consumer Product Safety Commission – Bans asbestos joint compound

In spite of OSHA measures to tighten asbestos use and ensure protection of workers, people are still exposed to this dangerous substance today. Legislative measures are being proposed but are still under consideration.

It is important to communicate any known asbestos exposure to your doctor in order to receive appropriate mesothelioma treatment. It is also important to remember that your exposure could have been prevented. If you find you have mesothelioma, or another asbestos disease, you should consider contacting both a physician well-versed in treating these diseases and an attorney who knows how to assist you in taking appropriate steps to ensure your future, as well as your family's future.