Asbestos in an Expanding World

In 1890 an Austrian, Ludwig Hatschek, invented the asbestos-cement shingle
which led to the development of a variety of flat and corrugated asbestos-cement
sheets and related products. These products offered architects and designers a series
of new building materials with an extremely wide application. During the last few years,
over one-half of the asbestos consumed in the United States has been used in
asbestos-cement sheets, pipes and floor tiles — products that lend themselves to the
efficient construction of houses, public buildings, industrial warehouses, factories and
plants.

In chemical plants asbestos roofing resists fire and corroding fumes. Braided or
woven asbestos tubing used as sleeving for electrical leads, cables and other electrical
conductors, provides fire protection and resistance to abrasion. Power plant engineers
keep asbestos wick close to hand for emergency packing. Non-woven asbestos felts
are used as a reinforcement in high and low pressure plastics. Asbestos tapes are
available for primary and secondary insulation in high temperature resistant wire and
cable. Colour and structural design enhances the use of decorative asbestos-cement
products. Men, machines and buildings are protected by the fire retardent qualities of
asbestos fabrics.

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