Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals composed of long, thin fibers that are resistant to heat and corrosion. As a result, asbestos was widely used in the construction and manufacturing industries from the 1950s to the 1980s. Materials containing asbestos include:

• Insulation
• Roofing and siding shingles
• Ceiling and floor tiles
• Adhesives
• Brakes and clutch pads
• Textiles

The danger of asbestos lies in the inhalation of its fibers. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can lodge themselves in the lungs, where they can cause serious health problems. While many people exposed to asbestos never develop any health problems, others may contract one of several asbestos-related diseases. These include:

• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Asbestosis
• Pleural thickening

Asbestos fibers can remain in the lungs for years - even decades - before causing any noticeable symptoms. For this reason, it's essential to detect asbestos early on to avoid future health risks.