Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the late 1990s. It was primarily used for its high insulation and fire-resistant properties, and can be found in a wide range of building materials such as floor tiles, insulation, and roofing sheets. However, asbestos is highly toxic and can cause several serious health conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed during building renovations or demolitions, microscopic asbestos fibers are released into the air. These fibers, if inhaled, can accumulate in the lungs and cause serious health problems for years to come.