Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of building materials and other products due to its unique physical properties. It's composed of long, thin, fibrous crystals that are extremely strong and resistant to fire and heat. Asbestos was commonly used as insulation, roofing, floor tiles, siding, cement, textiles, and various other products.

While asbestos was once praised for its usefulness, it's now known to be a serious hazard to human health. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, such as during renovation or demolition work, the fibers can become airborne and be inhaled. These fibers can penetrate deep into the lungs and other internal organs, causing damage that can lead to serious and often fatal diseases.