How long has asbestos been in use?
Asbestos was first used in the United States in the early 1900’s, to insulate steam engines but was not used extensively until the 40’s. After World War II, and for the next thirty years, schools and other public buildings were built using asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Primarily, ACM was use as fireproofing, insulation, soundproofing and decoration.
Asbestos was first used in the United States in the early 1900’s, to insulate steam engines. After World War II, and for the next thirty years, people who constructed and renovated schools and other public buildings used asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACM) extensively. ACM’s were used primarily to fireproof, insulate, soundproof, and decorate buildings. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates there are ACM’s in most of the nation’s approximately 107,000 primary and secondary schools, and 733,000 public and commercial buildings.
