Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were widely used in construction from the 1930s to the 1990s. There are six distinct types of asbestos, namely: Chrysotile, Amosite, Crocidolite, Anthophyllite, Tremolite, and Actinolite. The most common type of asbestos used in construction is Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos.

Asbestos was used in various construction materials due to its unique properties, including resistance to heat and fire, durability, and sound absorbency. Some of the most common asbestos-containing building materials include:

• Insulation materials, such as pipe insulation and sprayed-on insulation
• Ceiling tiles and floor tiles
• Roofing and siding shingles
• Textured paints and coatings
• Thermal paper products

When asbestos-containing materials deteriorate or are disturbed, they release microscopic fibres into the air, which can be inhaled into the lungs, causing serious health problems over time.