Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral of which there are large deposits on every continent. Due to the relatively recent appearance of asbestos-related lung diseases, such as asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma, it is commonly thought that asbestos manufacturing and use is a modern phenomenon. But the usefulness of asbestos for insulation, as a fire retardant and for its tensile strength, has been known for almost 6,000 years. As early as 4000 BC, it is documented that asbestos was used for candle and lamp wicks. The term "asbestos" was coined, meaning inextinguishable or unquenchable.
From 4000 BC to the early 1800s, asbestos was used for a wide variety of purposes, but mostly in small quantities. These uses included cloth, wicks and paper. Marco Polo visited an asbestos mine as early as the 13th century.
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