Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials during the 20th century. Its strong, heat-resistant fibers made it an ideal material for insulation, roofing, and fireproofing. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

While asbestos is no longer used in new building construction, buildings built before the 1990s may still contain asbestos. This is why it's important to have an asbestos survey done on your building.