Paul Brodeur: The Magic Mineral

And so, Paul Brodeur began his journalism career investigating asbestos-related health hazards on October 12, 1968 with his article in the New Yorker Magazine. His following 3 books on asbestos included Asbestos and Enzymes in 1972 dedicated to Irving J. Selikoff, The Asbestos Hazard in 1980, and Outrageous Misconduct in 1985. After a long and storied career, Mr. Brodeur was honored upon his death with an oversized obituary in the New York Times:

I particularly like the beginning to The Asbestos Hazard in 1980, which states as follows:

“Asbestos has become one of the best known and most feared occupational and environmental hazards in the world. Scientists now estimate that of the millions of current and former workers who have been exposed to asbestos, 30 to 40 percent of those more heavily exposed can be expected to die of cancer.”

Each of the books would be a good read for someone just beginning a career in which asbestos is a significant issue. I would start with The Asbestos Hazard as an easy read 93 page beginners discussion and go from there.

RIP Mr. Brodeur. Through your investigative journalism, you made an impact on the lives of so many.

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment or email me at TheAsbestosBlog@gmail.com. Thank you. Marty