Asbestos: A Double-Edged Sword Throughout History

Asbestos' unique combination of properties makes it an extremely useful material that has been used in many cultures and in many countries for more than 3,000 years -- despite the often-ignored serious health problems asbestos causes when its deadly fibers are inhaled into the lungs.

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is as soft and flexible as cotton or flax, yet displays many beneficial properties that have made it attractive to use.

It is fire resistant, resistant to chemical degradation, has high tensile strength, has good thermal and electrical insulating properties, has good frictional properties, and is relatively easy to manipulate and use.