Asbestos occurs naturally in some geological settings. It̢۪s a group of six minerals which have a variety of crystal shapes. The name asbestos comes from a Greek word meaning inextinguishable, which is an appropriate name for it, since it is has heat and chemical resistance, fibrous strength, and flexibility. Brief History of Asbestos Use The ancient Greeks and Romans used asbestos in clothing, and it was noted even back then that the slaves who wove those fabrics developed lung problems. During the 19th century, it became popular with building companies because of its many useful properties. Asbestos fibers were combined with cement, woven into fabrics, and used in electrical insulation. It was used in brakes and gaskets. The first commercial asbestos mine was started in 1879 near Quebec, in the Appalachian foothills there. Use of asbestos expanded until the mid-20th century, and by then it was used in bricks, pipes, fire retardants, ceiling insulation, drywall, flooring, roofing,...