Asbestos (pronounced: or ) is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral. There are six types, all of which are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, each fibre being composed of many microscopic "fibrils" that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and other processes. Asbestos is an excellent electrical insulator and is highly heat-resistant, so for many years it was used as a building material.Bureau of Naval Personnel, Basic Electricity. 1969: US Navy. However, it is now a notorious health and safety hazard and the use of asbestos as a building material is illegal in many countries. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to various serious lung conditions, including asbestosis and cancer  . Archaeological studies have found evidence of asbestos being used as far back as the Stone Age to strengthen ceramic pots, but large-scale mining began at the end of the 19th century when manufacturers and builders began using asbestos for its desirable physical properties. Asbestos was widely used during the 20th century until the 1970s when public recognition of the health hazards of asbestos dust led to its prohibition in mainstream  construction and fireproofing in most countries. Despite this, and in part because the consequences of exposure can take decades to arise, at least 100,000 people are thought to die each year from diseases related to asbestos exposure.  Despite the severity of asbestos-related diseases, the material has been widely used all over the world, and most buildings constructed before the 1980s are thought to contain asbestos. Many developing countries still support the use of asbestos as a building material, and mining of asbestos is ongoing, with top producer Russia having  estimated production of 790,000 tonnes in 2020.
Asbestos (pronounced: or ) is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral. There are six types, all of which are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, each fibre being composed of many microscopic "fibrils" that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and other processes. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to various serious lung conditions, including asbestosis and cancer , so it is now notorious as a health and safety hazard . Archaeological studies have found evidence of asbestos being used as far back as the Stone Age to strengthen ceramic pots, but large-scale mining began at the end of the 19th century when manufacturers and builders began using asbestos for its desirable physical properties. Asbestos is an excellent electrical insulator and is highly heat-resistant, so for much of the 20th century it was widely used across the world as a building material until its effects on human health were recognized in the 1970s .Bureau of Naval Personnel, Basic Electricity. 1969: US Navy. Many modern buildings constructed before the 1980s are thought to contain asbestos. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to various serious lung conditions, including asbestosis and cancer, so it is now notorious as a health and safety hazard. The use of asbestos for construction and fireproofing has been made illegal in many countries. Despite this, at least 100,000 people are thought to die each year from diseases related to asbestos exposure. In part, this is because many older buildings still contain asbestos; in addition, the consequences of exposure can take decades to arise. Many developing countries still support the use of asbestos as a building material, and mining of asbestos is ongoing, with top producer Russia having an estimated production of 790,000 tonnes in 2020.
D
Asbestos is an excellent electrical insulator and is highly heat-resistant, so for many years it was used as a building material.Bureau of Naval Personnel, Basic Electricity. 1969: US Navy. However, it is now a notorious health and safety hazard and the use of asbestos as a building material is illegal in many countries.
A
, so it is now notorious as a health and safety hazard
R
Asbestos
Asbestos is an excellent electrical insulator and is highly heat-resistant, so for much of the 20th century it
R
during the 20th century until
across the world as a building material until its effects on human health were recognized in
R
when public recognition of the health hazards of asbestos dust led to its prohibition in mainstream
.Bureau of Naval Personnel, Basic Electricity. 1969: US Navy. Many modern buildings constructed before the 1980s are thought to contain asbestos.
A
Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to various serious lung conditions, including asbestosis and cancer, so it is now notorious as a health and safety hazard. The use of asbestos for
R
in most
has been made illegal in many
D
and in part because the consequences of exposure can take decades to arise,
A
In part, this is because many older buildings still contain asbestos; in addition, the consequences of exposure can take decades to arise.
D
Despite the severity of asbestos-related diseases, the material has been widely used all over the world, and most buildings constructed before the 1980s are thought to contain asbestos.
A
an