Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in buildings and construction materials until the 1980s. Despite its usefulness as an insulator and fire-retardant, we now know that asbestos can cause a number of serious health problems when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled.

Exposure to asbestos is linked to:

• Mesothelioma: a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen;
• Lung cancer: a malignant tumor that grows in the lungs;
• Asbestosis: a chronic lung disease that causes scarring of the lung tissues and makes it difficult to breathe.

These health problems can take years or even decades to develop, which is why it is crucial to identify and remove asbestos from buildings as soon as possible.