Asbestos is a natural mineral that was commonly used in building materials throughout the 20th century due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. However, asbestos is also highly toxic and can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer and mesothelioma if inhaled.

Asbestos can be found in many building materials such as:

• Insulation (pipes, boilers, ducts)
• Ceiling and floor tiles
• Roofing and siding shingles
• Joint compounds and adhesives
• Textured paint and coating
• Electrical wiring insulation

If you suspect that your building materials contain asbestos, it's important to have it removed by professionals as soon as possible.