Why Was Asbestos Used?

The use of asbestos in Australia began as early as 1930 with the establishment of an asbestos mine in the town of Wittenoom located in the Western Australia. Since then, the use of asbestos in construction and industry grew exponentially reaching its peak in the period between 1950 and 1980. During this peak, expert reports indicated that Australia had the highest use of asbestos per capita in the world with textile mills, construction companies and other repair and production facilities using the material.

The use of asbestos in Australia began as early as 1930 with the establishment of an asbestos mine in the town of Wittenoom located in the Western Australia. Since then, the use of asbestos in construction and industry grew exponentially reaching its peak in the period between 1950 and 1980. During this peak, expert reports indicated that Australia had the highest use of asbestos per capita in the world with textile mills, construction companies and other repair and production facilities using the material.

Why asbestos gained popularity in the building industry and in manufacturing businesses

• • It is naturally resistant to fire making it ideal for thermal insulation, roofing and flooring. Using asbestos in construction would thus increase your house’s resistance to fire
  • When mixed with cement, it increases its strength and longevity making products constructed with the mixture far superior to competing products such as plastic and wood: roof shingles made of the mixture had a lifespan of about 60 years;
  • It is inexpensive. Asbestos is naturally occurring making it a cheap component compared to other cement additives.

It is unfortunate that when it was decided to use asbestos in manufacturing that it was not tested to see if it would be safe. Only when deadly coincidence's happened that it would be stopped but not until 2004 and only when it was evident that when either caused death or serious health issues. There is no excuse today though in having this product around now. Testing and removal is at everyone's finger tips and is as easy as picking up a phone and start the process of removing asbestos products.

•  Mesothelioma, which is always fatal,  
•  Lung cancer almost always fatal,
•  Asbestosis not always fatal, but it can be very debilitating
•  Diffuse pleural thickening, not fatal.

Asbestos fibers are present in the environment in Australia so most people are exposed to very low levels of fibers. However, a key factor in the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease is the total number of fibers breathed in. Working on or near damaged asbestos-containing materials or breathing in high levels of asbestos fibers, which may be many hundreds of times that of environmental levels can increase your chances of getting an asbestos-related disease.

Asbestos related diseases won't affect immediately but later on in life, so there is a need for you to protect yourself now to prevent you contracting an asbestos-related disease in the future. It is also important to remember that people who smoke and are also exposed to asbestos fibers are at a much greater risk of developing lung cancer.

Here is more information about the affects of asbestos at The Pleural Mesothelioma Center