Science: Asbestos

To rangers fighting a forest fire in the Santiago Canyon region in California their messenger dog came crawling on his belly. His eyes were red from the smoke, his fur burned by shoots of fire. While rangers comforted him, he licked his burns, fell asleep, whimpering. This must not happen again. So District Ranger Bill Freer made him an asbestos coat, good protection. Asbestos, a mineral found notably in the Province of Quebec, does not decompose under even relatively high degrees of heat. Nor does it allow heat to pass through it easily. Another...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!