Asbestos is a hazardous material that is found in many buildings, especially those that were built before the year 2000. It is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in building materials due to its heat resistance and durability. However, asbestos is now known to be a serious health hazard. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, they release harmful fibers into the air, which can lead to serious health problems if inhaled. Asbestos exposure has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.