Asbestos refers to a group of hydrated, fiber-rich silicate minerals. These silicate fibers have one useful property: they are not flammable and they melt at very high temperatures. Another important feature of asbestos is that it can easily be pounded into malleable fibers that can be woven into cloth. Fireproof asbestos clothing was a natural by-product of these two characteristics.

In the early twentieth century, a few theaters in America were razed to the ground because of horrendous fires. These fires grabbed headlines because they caused untold damage to life and property. Women and children were the main victims and there was an outcry to do something to ensure safety of people in such theatres. At about this time, the fire-retardant properties of asbestos were gaining popularity.

Soon, the production of ‘fire-free’ asbestos curtains and fire-free clothing for workers involved in firefighting became popular. In larger theaters, asbestos curtains were placed within cloth curtains. In smaller theaters, the asbestos curtain was placed without any cloth covering. In both cases, owners were very proud to stamp ‘Fire free Asbestos Curtains’ on the curtains so people could be convinced of their safety.

However, the ‘asbestos bubble' burst by the middle of the twentieth century. By then, it was known that asbestos fibers ingested into the body could cause deadly diseases like cancer and asbestosis. As people became more and more aware of the health hazards posed by asbestos fibers floating in the air, asbestos products began to be phased out.

Since fireproof asbestos curtains were made by crushing the minerals and weaving them, repair, maintenance, renovation, and removal of these materials involves cutting, scraping, sanding, and damaging the mineral surface. Maintenance or abatement work releases dust, which is airborne for days and ingested by people who come into contact with it. Even if the dust settles down, it is stirred up when swept.

Asbestos abatement is a flourishing industry in the US. However, many of the contractors involved in this work make use of untrained workers who ignore safety regulations. Workers who remove asbestos without sticking rigorously to safety regulations are committing a social crime, since their activities put the safety of so many at risk.

Many people are unaware of the threat posed by old fireproof curtains and clothing. If you suspect that you could be a victim of unauthorized asbestos abatement activities, contact a mesothelioma attorney today.