Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used as a building material until the late 1990s. Its fibrous nature made it an excellent insulator and fireproofing material. However, it was only later discovered that asbestos fibers were highly toxic and could cause serious health problems.

Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These diseases can take years to develop, and their symptoms may not be noticeable until it's too late. That's why it is important to remove asbestos material from your building as soon as possible.