Description
Book SynopsisThis thought-provoking and controversial book challenges the recent vilification of asbestos by providing a historical perspective on Americans' changing perceptions about risk. Rachel Maines suggests that the very success of asbestos and other fire-prevention technologies in containing deadly blazes has led to a sort of historical amnesia about the very risks they were supposed to reduce.
Trade Review"Asbestos and Fire adds a highly useful volume to the growing shelf of books that tell the 'life story' of industrial materials that build, support, and also sometimes imperil modern life." * Technology and Culture *
"For anyone interested in the history of health and safety this is a book worth reading." * EH.NET *
"Against a backdrop in which the mere mention of 'asbestos' strikes fear, Rachel Maines reminds readers of the valuable role asbestos has played as an insulating and fire-stopping material. She shows the complexity of technological solutions through the example of asbestos: how and why a material developed for the purpose of saving lives was withdrawn from the market when its risks were perceived to outweigh its benefits. Anyone wanting to know about the history of asbestos use will find this book to be an excellent reference." -- Sara E. Wermiel, Ph.D. * author of The Fireproof Building *
"Asbestos and Fire adds a highly useful volume to the growing shelf of books that tell the 'life story' of industrial materials that build, support, and also sometimes imperil modern life." * Technology and Culture *
"For anyone interested in the history of health and safety this is a book worth reading." * EH.NET *
"Against a backdrop in which the mere mention of 'asbestos' strikes fear, Rachel Maines reminds readers of the valuable role asbestos has played as an insulating and fire-stopping material. She shows the complexity of technological solutions through the example of asbestos: how and why a material developed for the purpose of saving lives was withdrawn from the market when its risks were perceived to outweigh its benefits. Anyone wanting to know about the history of asbestos use will find this book to be an excellent reference." -- Sara E. Wermiel, Ph.D. * author of The Fireproof Building *
Table of ContentsIllustrations
Tables
Preface
1 The Asbestos Technology Decision Environment
2 Asbestos before 1880: From Natural Wonder to Industrial Material
3 The Rise of the Asbestos Curtain
4 Mass Destruction by Fire: Asbestos in World War II
5 Schools, Homes, and Workplaces: Fire Prevention in the Postwar Built Environment
6 The Asbestos Tort Conflagration
Appendix A: Some Asbestos End-Uses in the United States, 1850-1990
Appendix B: Selected List of Organizations Specifying Asbestos in Codes, Standards or Recommendations, 1880-1980
Notes
Index
