That Snow Way To Decorate
Asbestos we can hope for.
Pssst, click me! 🎄
For a little extra holiday joy, listen to the music above while reading this comic. A medley of Christmas hymns by harpist Francis J. Lapitino, it was recorded over 100 years ago and cleaned up by Angel Lobotomy Records.
Asbestos we can hope for
We've been using asbestos for at least 4,500 years. Known for its water and fire resistance, Greeks, Romans, Persians were all familiar with the fibers that "couldn't burn." Marco Polo wrote about it, and Charlemagne was said to rock a tablecloth made of the stuff.
But a link between asbestos and serious illness was found as early as 1899. And by the 1930s, large asbestos companies knew full well their products caused cancer. They marketed boxes of it heavily during the holidays under names like "Magic White," and "Snow Drift."
People sprinkled it around their trees, department stores used it around their window displays, and so, so, so many movies used asbestos for wintery visuals.
Despite being totally banned in 66 countries (including the entire European Union) asbestos remains legal in the United States.
Still here?
If you're still here, why not check out the original version of this strip, published in December of 2022:
If you like behind the scenes tidbits, freebies and bonus cartoons like this, you'll love The History Shapes Club. Bust out your inner Santa Claus and support an indie creator this holiday season 🎅🏻
Become a Reader
You're gonna die someday. Don't regret missing out on monthly roundups of the latest History Shapes comics.
It's FREE!