Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in the construction industry for its heat-resistant properties. It was used in everything from insulation and roofing materials to flooring tiles and ceiling tiles. Although it was once considered a miracle material, we now know that asbestos fibres can become airborne and inhaled, causing serious health problems.

When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs and cause a range of health problems. The most serious of these is mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Other health problems associated with asbestos exposure include lung cancer, asbestosis (a chronic lung disease), and pleural thickening (a thickening of the lining of the lungs).