Stone Age Asbestos: Ancient Uses and Impacts

Join us in this fascinating episode of "Asbestos Rewind" where we travel back in time to explore the use of asbestos during the Stone Age. In this AC.Law original series, we shed light on the intriguing history of this fire-resistant mineral, illustrating its use from the Stone Age through the Space Age.

You can find the full playlist of our Asbestos Rewind series here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVfbqiUmvVSWDj3RCT7TOgUhR76fjr4Hv

We start by examining asbestos's properties, its strength, fire resistance, and the grave health issues it can cause. Our journey takes us back to the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, and even further, back to 2000 B.C. - the first known use of asbestos by humans.

Discover how this fireproof rock, now recognized for its hazards, became a common building material during the 19th and 20th centuries. Delve into the mysteries of the Stone Age, dividing our journey between the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, and find out how only humans managed to advance to the next era.

Did you know that in the late Neolithic period, stone tools became more sophisticated, with pottery making its first appearance? And guess what was used as a "temper" in pottery? Asbestos fibers!

We explore the Kiukainen Culture of Finland, a civilization that used asbestos fibers in their earthenware, leading to them being described as the Asbestos Wares culture. We'll look at how asbestos was incorporated into various materials, strengthening them and helping them withstand heat - an ideal trait for ceramics.

Lastly, we ponder the questions that still surround the use of asbestos during the Stone Age. Did they know the health risks associated with asbestos? It’s all up for interpretation in this captivating chapter of human history.

Enjoy this exciting journey through the amazing and sordid history of humans’ use of asbestos and join us in pondering the mysteries that still surround this ancient material. If you enjoyed the video, remember to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments. See you next time on Asbestos Rewind!