3310 x 3310 px | 28 x 28 cm | 11 x 11 inches | 300dpi
Date de la prise de vue:
28 mai 2002
Lieu:
London, UK
Informations supplémentaires:
Cette image peut avoir des imperfections car il s’agit d’une image historique ou de reportage.
Asbestos has been known since antiquity and is composed of several naturally occurring minerals with long, thin and fibrous crystals. The Greeks called asbestos the 'miracle mineral' because of its pliable properties and its ability to withstand heat. Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage, its sound absorption and tensile strength. Unfortunately, the inhalation of toxic asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses, including malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis and its use has been banned in much of the world since the 1980s. Only specially trained and licenced operatives are permitted to remove asbestos and the material must be safely contained after removal in designated landfill sites. All asbestos removal must take place prior to demolition of redundant structures to prevent the release of toxic fibres into the air.
