Since ancient Egypt, the unique technique of “weaving fabric from stone” has been discovered, which was later utilized by the U.S. military as a weapon.
From Egyptian Mummy Wrappings
Asbestos (derived from the French word amiante /amjɑ̃t/), also spelled as a-mi-ăng or Asbestos in English, is a group of six natural silicate minerals that can be found on every continent on Earth.
The characteristic of this mineral is its structure, which consists of thin and long fibrous crystals, each fiber comprising millions of tiny strands that can be released through abrasion.
Egyptian mummy wrappings made from Asbestos. (Source: Internet).
From the dawn of history, ancient people discovered the advantages of asbestos and applied it to their daily lives. Archaeologists have found evidence proving that as early as 4000 BC, long hair-like fibers of asbestos were used to make lamp wicks and candle wicks.
The fabric woven from asbestos is extremely durable and has heat-resistant and fireproof properties. Between 2000 and 3000 BC, the embalmed bodies of Egyptian pharaohs were carefully wrapped in layers of asbestos cloth to prevent decay.
In Finland, clay pots containing asbestos fibers dating back to 2500 BC have also been discovered. The fibers from this mineral enhance the durability of the pots and particularly help them resist fire.
In 456 BC, Herodotus (484 BC-425 BC), one of the greatest historians of all time, mentioned the use of asbestos cloth to prevent the ashes of the deceased from mixing with the ashes from the cremation fire.
Clay pot containing asbestos fibers in Finland. (Source: Internet)
Some researchers believe that the origin of the word “asbestos” may stem from a Latin phrase “amiantus”, meaning unsoiled or unpolluted.
The ancient Romans wove asbestos fibers into fabric and used it to make tablecloths or napkins. Whenever the cloth became dirty, the Romans would throw it into a large burning fire.
Miraculously, the fabric would remain intact, even becoming whiter than before.
Not only did the Greeks and Romans exploit the unique properties of asbestos, but they also recorded its harmful effects on humans. The Greek geographer Strabo (63 BC-23 AD) documented “lung disease” among slaves who wove asbestos fabric.
The Roman historian, naturalist, and philosopher Pliny the Elder (23/24 BC – 79 AD) wrote about “the disease of slaves” and described how workers had to use masks made from goat or sheep bladders to protect themselves from inhaling asbestos fibers.
The Modern Weapon of the U.S. Military
In fact, asbestos production did not become a developed industry until the late 1800s, when the Industrial Revolution began.
Asbestos’s resistance to chemicals, heat, water, and electricity made it an excellent material for steam engines, turbines, boilers, ovens, and generators. Its malleable properties also made it an important catalyst in the construction industry.
Image from an asbestos manufacturing plant in the 1960s-1970s. (Source: Internet).
Despite all efforts by researchers to produce and use asbestos safely, it remains a significant health hazard. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sufficient human and experimental evidence to classify all forms of asbestos as a human carcinogen.
This material can cause deadly diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Asbestos is most dangerous when it is damaged. At that point, it releases extremely fine fibers into the air. Because asbestos fibers are incredibly durable, our bodies cannot effectively combat them once they enter the lungs or body tissues. This gradually destroys the human respiratory system.
Asbestos fibers under a microscope. (Source: Internet).
Since the mid-20th century, asbestos products have been extensively used in the U.S. military due to their insulation and fire-resistant properties. Every branch of the armed forces has used asbestos in shipbuilding, tanks, trucks, aircraft, barracks, and other structures.
However, according to Asbestos.com, exposure to asbestos in the military has left thousands of U.S. veterans facing lung cancer or mesothelioma after retirement.
