Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in the manufacturing of building materials such as insulation, tiles, and roofs until the mid-1980s. Although it was once thought to be a wonder mineral, being fire-resistant, strong, and durable, it has since been discovered that asbestos is a silent killer.

Asbestos is composed of tiny fibers that, when inhaled, can lodge themselves in the lungs and cause a variety of deadly illnesses. These illnesses often take years or even decades to develop, and there is currently no cure for them.

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause a range of illnesses, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural thickening. These illnesses can significantly reduce the quality of life of those who contract them and can even be fatal.