Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials between the 1950s and 1980s. It was used for its strength, durability, and fire-resistant properties. However, it wasn't until the 1970s that the dangers of asbestos were first recognized. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they release small fibers into the air that, when inhaled, can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.