Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry for many decades, mainly because of its strong and heat-resistant properties. Asbestos was used to make various building materials, such as cement, insulation, floor tiles, roofing, and pipes. However, in the 1970s, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos can cause a range of serious health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos is now banned in many countries, but it can still be found in many older buildings and properties, especially those built before 2000.