Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring mineral fibers that were commonly used in construction materials until the early 1980s. Asbestos was popular in building materials because of its thermal resistance, insulation properties, and durability. Asbestos is found in many common household materials such as insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and roofing materials. When asbestos is damaged, it can produce dust containing tiny fibers that can be inhaled, leading to a range of serious health problems.