Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing industries between the 1950s and 1980s. It was valued for its strength, durability, and insulation properties, and was commonly found in roofing, flooring, insulation, pipes, and other building materials.

However, asbestos is also highly toxic and can cause serious health problems if inhaled or ingested. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can easily be released into the air during renovation or demolition work. Once inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause long-term health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.