Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in construction and building materials in the past. Although asbestos has been banned in many countries, buildings constructed before the 1980s may still contain asbestos materials. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of thin, fibrous crystals. When disturbed, these fibers can become airborne and may be inhaled, leading to serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.