What is this material? Help me identify.

[Stickan56]

One might wonder why asbestos was used in just about everything in the 50s and 60s. What's the point of having asbestos in a window sill? Or asbestos in glue? Absolutely incredible stupidity.

Asbestos cement is a good and cheap material to make things from.
The problem was that those who handled it could get sick.
The idea that one would die from having window sills made of asbestos cement is completely unreasonable.
The discussion lacks proportion.

Stickan

 

[Stickan56]

Asbestos must have been cheaper than fiberglass? Because fiberglass existed in the 50s and 60s as well.

Imagine how fun it would have been if GM had chosen to make asbestos-reinforced bodies instead of fiberglass in the Corvette.

Asbestos cement does not have that elasticity.

Stickan

 

[Stickan56]

How often do you unscrew the screws then? Because it doesn't continuously leak out of the screw holes, does it?

Then the screws would eventually fall out.
Then you can replace them with double-sided tape.

Stickan

 

[fribygg]

The idea that one would die if they have window sills made of asbestos cement is completely unreasonable.
The discussion lacks proportionality.

Stickan

We are all going to die. No serious study is likely to show that one lives a shorter or worse life if they have (or do not have window sills) regardless of what they are made of.