Knowledge of the health hazard of asbestos prior to the Merewether and Price report of 1930.

The first realization of the burden of ill health associated with occupational exposure to asbestos dust, and the need for environmental control, is generally dated from the publication of the results of the survey by Merewether and Price in 1930. A review of the literature and of associated archival material throws a different light on history. There was a wealth of evidence available prior to 1930 that should have led to earlier effective control. The responsibility for this delay must be shared between manufacturers, workers' representatives, the Factory Inspectorate and Scientists involved in the relevant research.