Author: Martin Ditkof

Where History Means Knowledge. Be Informed.

Naturally Occurring Asbestos Fibers in Your Breathing Zone: Let’s Look at California as an Example.

We write and talk a great deal about asbestos fibers arising from occupational exposure, but what about those same fibers in your breathing zone just because of where you live? I don’t mean the real hot spots like Libby, Montana or Wittenoom, Australia; we all know the horrors faced by residents in those communities when…
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Asbestos Exposure in the Military: Even Today

I received a message from Ed Hill several days ago, about a story involving recent exposure to asbestos while in the military. Because Ed said that the U.S. soldiers were also in the buildings and experienced the same exposure, I thought that my blog this week should be just providing the link to his story…
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For Those Into Demolition and Renovation: A Book from the 1930s which Identifies the then New Components.

My Blog is somewhat brief today as I am up to my eyeballs with reading and writing for the Masters in History class at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. In 1931, Johns-Manville published a book (or a collection of brochures) discussing the products it was selling. You can pick up an electronic copy…
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Yes, “Stained and Polished Wood” Flooring and Carpeting was Made from Asbestos.

If you Google “asbestos carpeting,” the various search responses typically discuss the carpet underlayment or include statements such as the poster having not heard of asbestos carpeting. Google “stained and polished asbestos wood flooring” typically brings you to asbestos tiles or similar products. Good thing that we still have encyclopedias around, especially The Encyclopedia Americana…
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140 Asbestos-Related Blog Postings Since December 2020: A Listing of Topic with Hot Links for those who are Interested.

I posted my first Asbestos-Related blog just prior to entering the Masters of History program here at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in January 2021. I am about to reach 20,000 views in just under three years and am honored with your interest. For those who were not with me at the start…
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EPA Model Training Manual from the 1990s: I Didn’t Know That.

As my weekly blogs focus on history, don’t take all of the documents which I cite or use as being current. Rather, please see them as the historical learning experience that they are meant to be. Today, we take a look at the EPA suggested training during the 1990s as embodied in its EPA Model…
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What Happens to Asbestos Fibers Released During Manufacturing to the Environment: Land, Water, and Air.

So, the manufacturing is done for the day, the laborers pack it all up, sweep the floor, take a hit on the water jug, and either head home or stop in at the local drinking establishment. In 1982, the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States decided to extensively research and issue a 265 page…
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Electric Codes and the Use of Asbestos Wiring: Canadian Code from 1966.

Last week, we discussed what Engineers knew about asbestos prior to 1920. Today, let’s discuss how those involved in the electrical trades might find asbestos in their renovation jobs. We will use the Canadian code from 1966 merely as an example. From the following pages taken from the book, clearly asbestos wiring insulation had its…
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What Engineers Knew About Asbestos: Pre-1920

I love a good stroll through the archives. Today, please join me on this trip as Electrical Engineers might have been making over 100 years ago. Asbestos intersected with engineering designs long before the health related hazards became obvious. To see examples of their use of asbestos, I have chosen the 1917 Standard Handbook for…
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ADAO 18th Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference: “Hear Asbestos. Think Prevention.”

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) held its 18th Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference on September 9, 2023 in Washington D.C. and live streamed globally. I attended by listening and watching the conference from my home in Colorado Springs. The convention was packed with panels discussing medicine, prevention, and all things asbestos, and attendees…
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