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====First Identification of Ailments caused by Asbestos====
Asbestos has been used by humans since at least 2500 B.C.E. Because it was fireproof, asbestos was viewed as if it had almost magical aspects. Since asbestos deposits can be found around the world and are quite common, asbestos has been utilized by societies throughout the world for thousands of years. The first known use was by Fins who included in their pottery to make it heat resistant. Its uses have varied widely. Egyptians wrapped embalmed Pharaohs in asbestos laced textiles to aid preservation. European blacksmiths also included asbestos in medieval armor. Large scale manufacture of asbestos textiles began in earnest after the discovery of large asbestos deposits in 1720 in the Ural mountains.<ref>Tannapfel, <i>Malignant Mesothelioma</i>, p.2</ref>
Despite its perceived magical properties, people noticed early on that exposure to asbestos could be dangerous. Roman historian and doctor Pliny the Elder (23AD to 79 AD) warned that slaves who worked in asbestos mines suffered disproportionally from serious lung ailments. He argued that it was risky to buy slave that worked in these mine because they died young.<ref>Tannapfel, <i>Malignant Mesothelioma</i> at p. 2</ref> Plinny's observation was remarkably prescient, but medicine was not be able to diagnosis what was causing this malady for almost 2000 years. Mesothelioma resisted being diagnosed because the tumors associated with it were easily confused with tuberculous.<ref>Tannapfel <i>Malignant Mesothelioma</i>, p. 13</ref> It was impossible for physicians to diagnosis accurately the condition without microscopes. The symptoms of asbestosis would have been readily apparent because it caused people severe difficulties in breathing. Alternatively, mesothelioma was fatal and it could be mistaken for other diseases such as tuberculous or other cancers.
