Asbestos is a mineral which has certain fire and heat resistant properties. Because of those properties, asbestos was widely used up through the 1970's as insulation and as heat of fire retardants. Unfortunately, it was well-known to management in companies which made and used these products that they were hazardous to the health of workers when inhaled. Nonetheless, manufacturers failed to disclose and in some cases actively his the dangers of the products they sold.
The principle danger from asbestos is a disease called mesothelioma which is a form of cancer which has asbestos exposure as its only known cause. Certain other cancers such as lung cancer and esophageal cancer have also been linked to asbestos exposure. Workers in many industries such as shipbuilding, insulation, manufacturing, construction, power, and many other industries are at risk for developing mesthelioma as a consequence of inhaling asbestos fibers.
