Asbestos is a mineral that was extensively used in construction materials such as roofing, pipes, and insulation until the 1980s. While it was widely popular due to its strength and fire-resistant properties, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos could lead to serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Asbestos is considered as a hazardous substance because of its tendency to release fibers when disturbed. Airborne asbestos fibers are extremely dangerous when inhaled as they can cause significant damage to the lungs and lead to health issues.