Asbestos in 20th-Century Building Design
The widespread use of asbestos in 20th-century buildings is a tragic example of harm hidden by design decisions: manufacturers knew of its health risks by the 1930s but suppressed that information while marketing it as safe.
The widespread use of asbestos in building design throughout the 20th century is a tragic and egregious example. This was not simply a failure of foresight. For decades, designers specified asbestos for its excellent properties, assuming it was a neutral choice. However, internal documents from major asbestos corporations show they were aware of the severe health risks as early as the 1930s. Despite this knowledge, they actively suppressed this information, continuing to market asbestos as safe.
Related in Community
Entries this one is tied to through the book.
Examples
- Aral Sea Disaster · discussed together in section 078
In the framework
- Neutralism · relation
- Technological Component
- Elements · element
In the book
- Chapter 7, section 078 · Neutralism [=,=]
Mentioned in
Examples