Asbestosis, pneumoconiosis, and other occupational lung diseases

Asbestos is a mineral fiber best known for resistance to fire and friction. Asbestos has been used industrially since the 1700s, but peak use did not occur until after 1850.1 Millions of workers have been exposed to asbestos in their employment. The import and use of asbestos peaked in the 1970s in the United States, and while a complete ban on the use of asbestos in the workplace was introduced in the UK by the end of the twentieth century, the United States still permits use of the material in some specified products. The legacy of past use continues to result in exposure due to demolition and renovation work.