Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals, including chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. These minerals were widely used in various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, and automotive, from the early 1900s until the 1980s. Asbestos was popular due to its strength, durability, and resistance to heat and fire.

However, asbestos fibres are microscopic and can easily get inhaled, causing severe damage to the lungs and other organs. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases. It can take years or even decades for these diseases to show symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose and treat.