History of Occupational Asbestos Exposure in the United States
Posted on: December 14, 2023 *Updated on: May 27, 2024The history of occupational asbestos exposure in the United States dates back to the 1930s and 1940s when scientists first established the link between asbestos and health risks. Despite the early warnings about its dangers, companies persisted in mining and using asbestos in various products.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, approximately 27 million American workers were exposed to asbestos fibers between 1940 and 1979. This widespread exposure contributed to a significant increase in mesothelioma cases during the latter half of the 20th century, and unfortunately, this trend has continued into the 21st century.