Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, insulation, and other industries until the 1990s. While it has many beneficial properties, such as heat resistance and durability, asbestos is also a potent carcinogen that can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious health problems when its fibers are inhaled.

Because of its hazardous nature, asbestos must be handled and disposed of with extreme care, using proper equipment, techniques, and safety procedures. Asbestos waste cannot be mixed with other types of waste or disposed of in general waste bins, as it poses a significant risk to public health and the environment.