Asbestos is a highly hazardous substance that was widely used in the construction industry until the mid-1980s. Asbestos was used in a variety of building materials, including insulation, ceiling tiles, and floor tiles. It was also used in automobile brakes, clutches, and transmissions.

Asbestos has been linked to a variety of serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos exposure can occur when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. When these fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause serious health problems.