Asbestos refers to a group of six naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries until the 1980s. Asbestos has excellent heat resistance and insulation properties, making it a popular material for making things like cement, insulation, and roofing tiles.

However, we now know that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Asbestos fibers can be released into the air when materials containing asbestos are damaged or disturbed, and when inhaled, these fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause long-term damage.