• March 20, 2025

    The history of asbestos

    From ancient times to the present day
    © i3 Membrane

    Asbestos was once praised as a “miracle mineral”, today it is feared as a hazardous substance. For centuries, it was used for its extraordinary properties until its deadly risks became known. Find out everything you need to know about asbestos through the ages:

    Animated image of ancient Greece with a Greek philosopher, several soldiers transporting a deceased king on a stretcher and the Acropolis with the eternal flame in the background.

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    History of Asbestos

    The earliest applications

    Asbestos was already used for various purposes in ancient Greece. Its high heat resistance made it perfect for burial cloths and the wick of the eternal flame of the Acropolis. In the Middle Ages, knowledge of asbestos was lost and it was considered a rare and mystical material that could be made from dragon scales or phoenix feathers.

    The global triumphal march

    The industrial revolution marked the beginning of the mass use of asbestos in numerous areas:

    • Construction industry: roofing panels, insulation, cement products
    • Automotive technology: brake pads, seals
    • Shipbuilding: insulation for engine rooms
    • Textiles: protective clothing for fire departments and industry
    • Electrical engineering: cable sheathing, insulation for appliances

    For a long time, asbestos was considered indispensable – until the serious health risks finally became apparent.

    The lethal dangers of asbestos

    It was not until the 20th century that it became known that asbestos fibers can cause serious diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer. Today, asbestos is banned in many countries, but it still poses an invisible danger in old buildings. Therefore, a variety of measures have been put in place to protect people from increased exposure to airborne asbestos fibers during construction work.

    Our gold-coated PC membranes i3 TrackPor and the ready-to-use air monitor cassettes i3 TrackPor M provide the basis for a safe and reliable analysis of asbestos fibers in indoor air. As a company, order our free membrane sample pack to see the high quality for yourself!