Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was commonly used in a number of building materials throughout the 20th century. It was used in everything from insulation and roofing to flooring and even vehicle brake pads. While asbestos' strength and heat resistance made it a popular choice in building, it has since been discovered to pose a serious health risk to those who come into contact with it.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in your lungs and cause serious, often fatal, diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Because asbestos was so widely used in building for so many years, it's important to have your property tested for asbestos if it was constructed before 2000.