Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in various construction materials, such as insulation, ceiling tiles, roofing, flooring, and pipes, until the 1990s. It is desirable for its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. However, asbestos fibers can release into the air when disturbed or damaged and inhaled, resulting in severe and often fatal lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Asbestos is particularly dangerous when it breaks down into small fibers that can remain in the lungs for many years, causing inflammation, scarring, and cancerous mutations. Asbestos exposure can occur through inhalation or ingestion of fibers, and there is no known safe level of asbestos exposure.