The hazard concerns about asbestos have been known and reported since  the mid sixties, and likely much earlier.  In spite of this,  government and business were behind this industry.  Many were gagged from reporting this hazard.  I know a person who knew of this issue relate to me of watching workers removing asbestos from government buildings contaminated, wearing no protective clothing or breathing apparatus, and knowing these workers would die from this eventually. This happened in about 1967.  From raw material to manufacturing to shipping to installation, it was hazardous for workers coming into contact.  And eventually lethal.