T&N Rochdale, asbestos and cancer - There WAS a cover up - Part 2

Date published: 11/09/2008

Asbestos - Early knowledge of danger: 1898

The document that accompanies this article is an excerpt from the H.M. Factory Chief Inspector's 1898 report that makes specific mention of asbestos.

Concerns about asbestos and health had been well documented by the late 19th Century. However the 1898 report was significant as this is official, state, recognition of the health hazard.

Miss Dean H.M Factory Inspector reported: “...The evil effects of asbestos have also attracted my attention. A microscopic examination of the mineral dust which was made by H.M.Medical Inspector clearly revealed the sharp, glass-like jagged nature of the particles, and where they are allowed to rise and to remain suspended in the air of a room, in any quantity, the effects have been found to be injurious, as might have been expected...”

Readers should note the careful phrase “in any quantity” in the precautionary warning about asbestos dust from Queen Victoria's reign.

To read the other articles in this series visit the links below:

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/21/spodden-valley/13950/tandn-rochdale-asbestos-and-cancer-there-was-a-cover-up

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/21/spodden-valley/13955/tandn-rochdale-asbestos-and-cancer-there-was-a-cover-up-part-3

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/21/spodden-valley/13954/tandn-rochdale-asbestos-and-cancer-there-was-a-cover-up-part-4

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/21/spodden-valley/13953/tandn-rochdale-asbestos-and-cancer-there-was-a-cover-up-part-5

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/21/spodden-valley/13952/tandn-rochdale-asbestos-and-cancer-there-was-a-cover-up-part-6
www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/21/spodden-valley/13951/tandn-rochdale-asbestos-and-cancer-there-was-a-cover-up-part-7

Download

• Excerpt from the H.M Factor Chief Inspector's 1898 report (2008911_16159.pdf)