Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building construction from the 1950s to the 1980s. Asbestos is very resistant to heat, fire and chemicals, and it was often added to insulation, cement, floor tiles, roofing materials, and other building products to improve their strength, durability, and fire resistance. Unfortunately, asbestos also poses a serious health risk when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled into the lungs. Asbestos fibers are known to cause severe lung diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, which can take decades to develop and are often deadly.