Asbestos materials were commonly used in building structures before the 1980s because it had several advantages like thermal insulation, soundproofing, and chemical resistance. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers pose a harmful effect on human health, causing diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. This led to the banning of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and the increased need to remove asbestos in buildings.

Asbestos is particularly harmful when it becomes friable, meaning that it can easily crumble or become airborne, allowing people to inhale the fibers. Asbestos is dangerous when it is inhaled or ingested and can cause chronic respiratory diseases like mesothelioma, asbestos-induced lung cancer, and asbestosis.