A Brief History of Asbestos Use and Associated Health Risks

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I. Introduction
Asbestos and the dangers revolving around it have been acknowledged and regulated by OSHA since 1972. OSHA first implemented it’s regulation on asbestos exposure in the early 1970’s in order to protect American workers from grave dangers of prolonged asbestos exposure. Since it’s implementation, these regulations have significantly decreased the incidence of asbestos-related diseases and conditions ("Asbestos standard for," 1995). The following research analyzes the ways in which OSHA has addressed the issue of asbestos (in 1972 and since), and seeks to discover ways in which OSHA could further reduce the incidence of asbestos-related conditions.
II. Background Information
Prior to regulation asbestos was a commonly used material. This is largely in part due to asbestos’ high propensity to heat and acid resistance as well as it’s high tensile strength (Saldivar & Soto, 2008). Fundamentally, asbestos is an ideal material for building and manufacturing; it’s properties lend it to be a strong, versatile substance that is fire retardant and cheap. Before it’s toxicity was known organizations were not concerned with employee exposure to asbestos, as the use of asbestos allowed these companies to make strong, durable products at a low cost and high volume. The substance asbestos is a collective term used to describe six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have specific chemical and physical properties (Saldivar & Soto, 2008).
The history of asbestos use extends far past modern times, with it’s roots traced back thousands of years. It’s historical uses as candle wicks, tablecloths, and napkins would never be deemed appropriate or safe in modern times, as it would put someone’s health and life at stake. The fir...

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...partment of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2012). Asbestos toxicity

United States Environmental Protection Agency, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2007).Current best practices for preventing asbestos exposure among brake and clutch repair workers

U.S Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health: National Cancer Institute. (2013).Mesothelioma

U.S Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health: National Cancer Institute. (2013).Asbestosis

U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (1995). Asbestos standard for general industry (OSHA 3095)

Warner, R. (2012). Asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits: What to expect. NOLO, Retrieved from http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/asbestos-mesothelioma-lawsuits-what-expect-30340.html

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