1950s asbestos safety warning

    by Evira: Viral Content

    1950s companies marketed asbestos as safe but workers ended up paying for it

    Transcript (en)

    Asbestos, for this is a remarkable mineral. Actually stone, it is made up of tiny but extremely strong and flexible fibers. Combined with Portland cement, these fibers act as a reinforcing agent, just as steel rods are used to reinforce concrete. Being stone, asbestos will not burn. In fact, it is best known for its use in all fields of fire protection. And to the great success of asbestos combined with Portland cement in the roofing field, made it a natural choice in research for a better siding. So from long testing and experiment, there came asbestos cement siding. Strong and tough, it could be handled and applied like ordinary shingles. It was given every conceivable test. This machine called a weather-o-meter, in a few days duplicates years of weather conditions. conditions. This material won't rot or decay, so it doesn't need paint to preserve it. However, it can be painted if the homeowner desires. It was natural that the scientists would turn to