In the early 1900's, it was reported that the inhalation of asbestos dust could cause severe lung disease.  In 1927, this disease was named asbestosis.  Throughout the 1930s, articles about asbestosis were published in the American and British medical literature.  These articles described the symptoms, chest x-ray findings, and other characteristics of the disease, as well as the dust control procedures that were necessary to prevent the disease.  Beginning in the 1930s, doctors warned about the importance of educating workers about the hazards of asbestos and the future risk of asbestos disease in industries such as shipbuilding.  In 1932, the Johns-Manville Board of Directors approved the settlement of eleven asbestosis lawsuits in New Jersey on the condition that the settlement remain confidential and that the claimant's attorney refuse to file any additional claims.  This was the beginning of a massive cover-up by the asbestos industry that lasted for 40 years...