Asbestos use was widespread from about 1920 until 1980. However, this wonder compound of that time was not exactly new. Asbestos has been used as far back as the first century. The material was found to be fireproof and also to have wonderful insulating properties. During the heyday of the Romans, asbestos was used in women's clothing and also in table cloths. Asbestos was used in suits of armor as insulation. It was the industrial revolution that found even more uses for asbestos including as a home insulator and roofing material. Asbestos was first mentioned medically in 1897 by a doctor who attributed emaciation and pulmonary problems to asbestos dust inhalation. In 1908 insurance companies began increasing policy rates for those who worked with asbestos. Records show that manufacturers were aware of the health risks of asbestos as far back as the 1940's, but the use of asbestos in home and building material continued to grow until about 1978. The seemingly impenetrable properties of the asbestos outweighed the concerns of worker's health. Since the full scope of the misuse of asbestos is coming to light, lawsuits are being filed and won every day. The almighty dollar should never come before the health of the people.