A Canadian Family

Genealogy, Family History & Vintage Postcards

Asbestos, Quebec

Asbestos has been in the news again recently because the latest worker mortality statistics show that asbestos is still Quebec’s No.1 workplace killer.  Asbestos use has been discontinued in most parts of the world for over 30 years now but unfortunately much of the medical fallout from use of this substance (e.g. asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma) takes many years to appear. One way asbestos  was used was for home insulation and I remember that when it was outlawed in Italy many homeowners in my in-law’s neighbourhood had to get it removed from their homes. It was quite a dramatic process as the entire house would first be enveloped in a tent and then fully-suited workers with face-masks would arrive to carry out the work.

Asbestos

This is a vintage postcard of the Canadian Johns-Manville Company mines in Asbestos, Quebec.  The caption on the back says that it is an aerial view of “The largest asbestos mine in the free world”. (“La plus grande mine d’aminate du monde libre”). The city of Asbestos is located in Estrie, Quebec in Les Sources Regional County, not far from Drummondville and Sherbrooke.

 

Related Posts:

Why It’s Not ”Nice” For Canadians To Export Asbestos To The Third World

 

Further Reading:

Asbestos, Quebec: A Graphic Novel/une bande dessinee | The Dominion

Townships Heritage: The Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos

CDC Health Topic: Asbestos

Note: There are several interesting points and informative links in the Comment Boxes below.

November 7, 2009 Posted by | . | , , , | 5 Comments