Asbestos is a highly hazardous substance that was widely used in the construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries until the 1980s. Despite its well-documented health risks, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can still be found in many older buildings and structures, especially in roofs, walls, pipes, insulation, and flooring.

When asbestos fibers are released into the air through damage, disturbance, or decay, they can be inhaled or ingested by people exposed to them, leading to serious respiratory and lung diseases that may take years to develop and manifest. Therefore, it is essential to identify and handle asbestos-containing materials properly, and dispose of them in a safe and regulated manner.