Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in a wide range of construction and building materials since the early 1900s. Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing materials, flooring, and a range of other products that need to be heat-resistant and durable. However, it was soon discovered that asbestos is a highly toxic material that can cause severe health problems such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Thus, it became necessary to remove asbestos from buildings and products in order to reduce the risk of exposure.