Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in the construction of homes and buildings until the 1980s. It was valued for its fire-resistant properties, making it a popular choice for insulation, roofing sheets, and wall cladding. However, over time, it was discovered that asbestos fibers can cause severe respiratory problems such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Unfortunately, asbestos remains in many buildings built before 2000, making it important for homeowners to understand how to safely dispose of it.