Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in building materials due to its heat-resistant properties. However, it has since been discovered that asbestos can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, when its fibers are released into the air and inhaled.

Asbestos-containing materials can still be found in many homes and buildings, particularly those built before the 1980s. It is important to properly identify and remove these materials to reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers.