Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building construction from the 1940s to the 1990s. It was prized for its heat resistance, durability, and fireproofing properties. Asbestos was used in a wide range of products, including insulation, flooring, roofing, and cement. However, it was discovered to be a highly dangerous substance in the 1970s, after many people who had been exposed to it developed lung cancer and other fatal respiratory diseases.

Asbestos fibers are extremely small in size and can be inhaled easily. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, such as during demolition or renovation work, the fibers can become airborne and pose a serious health hazard to anyone who breathes them in. Once inhaled, the fibers lodge in the lungs and can cause a range of life-threatening illnesses, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.