Accessible version

Search the Archives site


>>Advanced Search

People
Conflict & War
Arts & Entertainment
Politics & Economy
Prime Ministers' Gallery
Life & Society
Disasters & Tragedies
Extreme Weather
Science & Technology
Sports

Topic Index
Clip Index
All Clips from
Index of Great Interviews
Days to Remember
For Teachers
Personal Bookmarks
Subscribe to our Newsletter
RSS Feed
CBC Archives Virtual Tour
About this Site
Help
Contact us
Archives télé et radio de Radio-Canada

Home > Science and Technology > Asbestos: Magic mineral or deadly dust?


Asbestos: Magic mineral or deadly dust?

The needle-like fibres seemed like nature's perfect gift. Fireproof, indestructible and cheap, from the 1940s to the 1970s, asbestos was everywhere. It was woven into clothes, used to insulate buildings and even mixed with water as children's play dough. That was before studies linked asbestos dust with cancer and lung disease. Authorities now say asbestos, when handled properly, poses little risk. But nagging concerns, highlighted by the plight of the asbestos miners, have resulted in a shrivelling industry.


Educational
Educational activities about
Asbestos: Magic mineral or deadly dust?

 
The magic mineral

 
The most dangerous town in Canada

 
Canada's longest health-related strike

 The magic mineral

Asbestos hailed as a symbol of Canada's natural wealth. (Radio; runs 3:25)

 The most dangerous town in Canada

"Almost as if they're committing a genocide." (Radio; runs 27:14)

 Canada's longest health-related strike

Newfoundland miners fight to protect their families from deadly asbestos dust. (Radio; runs 17:55)

 
Cleaning up its act

 
Asbestos takes its toll

 
U.S. to ban asbestos

 Cleaning up its act

The asbestos industry tries to change public opinion. (TV; runs 6:11)

 Asbestos takes its toll

Grieving widows recall the suffering caused by asbestos. (TV; runs 4:07)

 U.S. to ban asbestos

Canada fails to block the partial U.S. ban on asbestos despite heavy lobbying. (TV; runs 2:09)

 
Angry about asbestos

 
The town of Cassiar for sale

 
The asbestos debate takes off again

 Angry about asbestos

Panicked parents demand immediate removal of asbestos in schools. (Radio; runs 3:12)

 The town of Cassiar for sale

The once-prosperous B.C. asbestos mining town goes on the auction block. (TV; runs 2:11)

 The asbestos debate takes off again

Scientists remain divided on the hazards of asbestos. (TV; runs 2:35)

LINKS

Topic from Les Archives de Radio-Canada on the same subject
Related Topics from CBC's Archives
CBC.ca
External sites

The CBC assumes no responsibility for the content of external links.

6 Additional Clips about Asbestos: Magic mineral or deadly dust?

Printer-friendly topic page

Send this page to a friend

Add this topic to your personal bookmarks

Cite this page

Copyright © CBC 2006
All Rights Reserved

Privacy