Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in a variety of construction materials due to its durability, heat resistance, and fire-retardant properties. However, as the dangers of asbestos exposure became more widely known, the use of asbestos was eventually banned in most countries around the world.

Despite this, many buildings constructed prior to the 1980s still contain asbestos-containing materials such as insulation, roofing shingles, and flooring. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, so its important that asbestos is handled and disposed of properly.