Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and building materials due to its heat and chemical resistance, durability, and low cost. However, asbestos is also highly toxic and carcinogenic when its microscopic fibers are released into the air and inhaled or ingested. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, among others.

Even though the use of asbestos has been banned in many countries, it is still present in many buildings constructed before the 2000s, especially in roofs, insulation, flooring, walls, and pipes. Asbestos materials that are in good condition and not disturbed or damaged pose a lower risk of releasing fibers, but if they are disturbed, drilled, cut, or removed, they can become airborne and cause serious health hazards.