New Books Network Tom White, "Bad Dust: A History of the Asbestos Disaster" (Repeater, 2025)
Nov 23, 2025
In this discussion, Tom White dives into the catastrophic legacy of asbestos, leveraging his expertise as the author of Bad Dust: A History of the Asbestos Disaster. He shares personal insights about his family's connection to the material and reveals the surprising persistence of asbestos in many buildings today. White highlights the historical exploitation of South African mines under apartheid, the industry's impact on public health, and the limitations of current UK policies. He also emphasizes the urgent need for renewed advocacy to address ongoing risks.
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Personal Family Loss Sparks The Book
- Tom White's grandfather was a carpenter who likely inhaled asbestos during a 1950s apprenticeship.
- He was diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer in 1994 and died within months, motivating White's book.
Asbestos Is Natural But Fiber-Like
- Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of fibrous minerals with several commercial types like white, brown, and blue.
- Its fabric-like fibres make it extremely mixable and long-lasting but also inhalation-hazardous.
Usefulness Equals Persistence And Harm
- The same properties that made asbestos useful — insulation and fireproofing — let it shed microscopic fibers that lodge deep in lungs.
- The body cannot metabolize these fibers, causing long-term lung damage and disease.
