Why Was Asbestos Used In Building Materials In The First Place?

Over the past few decades, we’ve learned a lot about asbestos. We now know it’s a hazardous building material responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of people annually. Knowing this, you may wonder why was asbestos used in building materials in the first place? The truth is, for all its negatives, it also had several helpful positives. 

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that used to be mined for use in a myriad of different materials. It featured heavily in building materials, plumbing, consumer goods, and even vehicles. In its early days, it was advertised as being a miracle product.  

However, over time and with medical research, the tiny fibres that make up asbestos were found to cause several different health problems. People who had been exposed to it years before found themselves suffering from mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and several other related conditions. It slowly got phased out and is now banned in several (but not all) countries.  

So, why was it used in building materials in the first place?  

Fire Resistance

In the early 1900s, many homes had kerosene, steam, and electricity. As convenient as they made everyday life, they were also fire hazards. Construction companies started looking for a solution – a product that was non-combustible, insulating, and also had low thermal conductivity. Asbestos was seen as the answer.  

As word of mouth spread about these properties, there was an increase in demand for it, and asbestos started being used in seals, gaskets, brake linings, major vehicle components, and more. Anything that needed fire-resistance and a low combustion risk was being produced with asbestos. 

Therefore, as you can imagine, the demand went up. By the late 1930s, vast amounts of unprocessed asbestos and silicate mineral/cement products were being imported into New Zealand.  

Affordability

Basic economics dictate that an abundance of a particular material leads to a rock-bottom price, which was precisely the case with asbestos. This naturally-occurring mineral was available in huge volumes worldwide, which meant it was not a costly material to work with. 

Given its other properties, like fire-resistance and versatility, it could be worked into various materials. Even as demand grew, it remained incredibly affordable for the average manufacturer to purchase.

Strength

When paired with the right materials, asbestos could add much-needed strength – something that was lacking in building materials of the age. Today, we use many techniques that were used for asbestos materials when manufacturing asbestos-free materials.

Because of that strength, among other benefits, asbestos was added to concrete, concrete drywall boards, linoleum tiles, construction adhesives, drywall taping compounds, and more.

Versatility

We know today just how terribly dangerous asbestos roofing materials can be. When it starts to break down over time, the fibres can contaminate soil, water supplies, ceiling cavities, insulation, and more. It can also be hazardous to the health of those who live near or in a home with damaged asbestos roofing.

Super Six roofing was one of the most popular options. It was an asbestos-cement roofing material that roofers loved for how easy it was to mould into corrugated sheets. It was also lightweight and easy to work with. They combatted its brittle nature by pairing it with sarking, purlins, or metal mesh to add support.

Insulating Properties

To keep structures warm, dry, and comfortable, asbestos would be relied upon for its insulating properties. Remember, it also had the benefit of being fire-resistant. For these two reasons, it was an ideal material for shipbuilders, who often found themselves faced with the all-too-common problem of ship fires.

It was used in lining, heat-resistant paints, steam pipe insulation, block and spray insulation, and insulating mud. During World War II, around 25 million tons of asbestos was used in United States shipbuilding alone.

Spinning and Weaving Benefits

Asbestos is a fibrous material, so it was only a matter of time before someone took that idea and ran with it – creating textile cloths and fabrics. Because it was already known that asbestos was fire-resistant, it was quickly turned into things like firefighter jackets, aprons, and mitts.

Workers would wear asbestos clothing to protect themselves from extreme temperatures, all the while unaware that it was their very clothing that posed the most risk to their health and safety. 

The milling and spinning process of these garments also put those mill workers at risk. One of the very first asbestos-related health claims was filed in 1927 by a textile mill worker.

It’s Not Used Now, But the Problem Remains

If we knew then what we know now, asbestos would never have been used to the same extent that it was. Fortunately, it’s now banned in New Zealand, and those days are behind us. Although, not entirely.

New Zealand’s aging housing stock means that this dangerous building material is still prevalent up and down the country. If you suspect asbestos in your home and you’re about to undertake renovations or repairs, consider contacting an asbestos removal company to take care of the safe removal process for you.