Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and insulation materials until the 1980s. It was prized for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, but the health risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known at the time. Today, we know that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Asbestos is still present in many buildings and products, especially those built before the 1980s. If your home or business was built before then, it is likely that asbestos-containing materials were used in its construction. If these materials are damaged or disturbed in any way, they can release asbestos fibers into the air, which can be inhaled and cause serious health problems.