Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building and construction industries from the 1950s until the late 1990s. Its popularity was dictated by its heat and fire-resistant properties, making it the go-to material in the manufacturing of building materials, such as ceilings, roofs, insulation, cement, and pipes, among others.

Despite its widespread use, however, asbestos was found to be carcinogenic, and exposure to its fibers can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses. You may be at risk of asbestos exposure if you live in an older building or have materials in your home that were made before 2000.