The Disappearing Spoon: a science history podcast with Sam Kean · Sam Kean, Bleav

The Worst of Times, the Asbestos Times

May 6, 2025·18 min·1 clip

Nellie Kershaw inhaled asbestos dust for two decades, her lungs slowly strangled by a web of scar tissue like a spider's work.

This episode traces the dramatic story of asbestos, from its ancient use as a fireproof marvel to its role in preventing urban infernos during the Industrial Revolution, and finally to its exposure as a deadly carcinogen through the tragic case of factory worker Nellie Kershaw and the crusading work of Dr. Ivan Selikoff. It argues that asbestos both saved millions from fires and caused immense suffering, leaving a complicated legacy that still lingers in buildings today.

As heard by us

A natural wonder material becomes a study of scientific promise, industrial harm, and responsibility delayed.

Asbestos lands as a historical paradox: a mid-century wonder material credited with saving lives, yet bound to factory dust that scarred workers' lungs.

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Why you'd press play

Want asbestos' strange history, from mid-century wonder material to something that may be in your home or office right now?

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