1941: What we Taught our Children about Asbestos
On the brink of World War II with asbestos being a critical mineral to the Allies and a problem to obtain for the Axis, one book in particular shows exactly how society viewed asbestos. Asbestos, a Magic Mineral was authored by Lilian Holmes Strack in 1941 as a primer for school age children. She had previously written Nickel, a Magic Mineral and Radium, a Magic Mineral. As stated in the below newspaper review:
These books fill a great need for material for young readers on three of the world’s most important minerals. Here is complete, up-to-the-minute information, presented simply and interestingly about asbestos, nickel, and radium. Mrs. Strack gives to children for the first time complete and clear pictures of these three most magic minerals. She tells the story of each step by step — from how it was first discovered and used by man, through how it is mined and prepared for market, to its many various uses today.
Let’s start out by noting that in the 54 pages used by Mrs. Strack to educate our young, none discuss any potential diseases, injuries, or health inhalation related concerns. Rather, there are lots of pretty pictures showing children that asbestos was safe to mine, process, and otherwise be around.
As to the story told about asbestos, the book is easy to read and flows very nicely.
And, as to uses, the book provided a comfortable overview. Wearing asbestos pads on heads, using it on kitchen stoves, and to protect dining room tables, just to mention a few uses in the home and where asbestos is located in the area where children would live and play.
Of course, my favorite picture is the fireman in an asbestos suit.
1941, when it comes to how asbestos was viewed in society in general and taught to our children, was a different world. Because of those changes, it is nice to have this type of history at our fingertips.
Let me know if you would like to borrow the book. If you have any response to, or thoughts about, this blog, either email me at TheAsbestosBlog@gmail.com or leave a comment. Thank you, Marty.
2 Responses
A really interesting read – so many died because of these wonder products – so sad – they died terrible deaths – that could have been prevented if people had been warned about the health effects and banned it from use ?
Vicki, thank you for your comment.
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