Minerals Yearbook. The Ultimate Guide to Asbestos History Starting in 1882

Did you ever wonder how it all began? Even more, have you ever wanted to search specific years to see what was known by the United States government about asbestos? Maybe even research the science and knowledge that existed when you or a beloved family member was working?

Actually, that is the easiest historical research of all. The United States government has published a summary of Asbestos for almost every year since 1882. These publications are generally called the Minerals Yearbook and have been part of the U.S. Geological duties for quite some time. Electrical copies for each year, in addition to other USGS asbestos related publications, are readily available on their website in PDF format at https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nmic/asbestos-statistics-and-information. Alternatively, just let me know what you would like as I keep a full set back to the beginning.

Using these documents can be telling.

So, let’s discuss what was happening in 1977. In addition to all of the other facts and details, the below publication at the bottom right corner of this first page states that the United States is selling Crocidolite fibers, possibly the most dangerous mineral in the world, https://theasbestosblog.com/?p=1475, in its raw fiber form for $301 per ton. Well, giving it the benefit of the doubt, maybe the government wasn’t aware that asbestos was a toxic substance in 1977.

Well, actually it did. Going back just one year to 1976, we find the following in the Mineral Yearbook publication on Asbestos. Going to the bottom of this page which discusses “Legislation and Government Programs”, OSHA is looking at a mandatory public hearing to lower the allowable asbestos exposure standard and noting (1) that NIOSH recommends an even lower exposure level and (2) that the President has signed the Toxic Substances Control Act into law on October 11, 1976.

In my own mind, there seems to be a disconnect between what the United States Government knew with how it acted.

Lets go to a different topic. How about focusing on the dates in which asbestos was being mined and sold in the United States. From the attached, one such mine in 2001 was still operating and selling Chrysotile fibers in California.

Just as an aside, note the discussion on the Libby, Montana vermiculite issue. Libby is a very sad chapter which has no happy ending.

Although I have only scanned and used the first pages from these publications, many of them are very detailed about international market, mining, and the products. These are first rate publications that are a good starting point, especially when you have a particular era in which you want to search. The USGS also has many other publications concerning asbestos worth downloading off the Internet should you want to obtain and understand historical information. If you have the time, it is worth the while.

Let me know if you have any questions or would like copies by emailing me at TheAsbestosBlog@gmail.com or by leaving a comment.