Asbestos is a hazardous substance that was commonly used in the construction of homes and other buildings prior to the 1980s. When asbestos-containing materials become damaged or disturbed, they can release microscopic fibers into the air that can be inhaled into the lungs.

Exposure to asbestos has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The risk of developing these conditions is higher for individuals who have been exposed to asbestos for prolonged periods of time or who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos fibers.