Asbestos is a highly hazardous mineral fiber that causes a range of deadly diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. It was widely used in construction materials, insulation, and other products until the late 1980s, and it is still present in many buildings and structures today.

Exposure to asbestos can occur through inhalation of the tiny fibers, which can remain airborne for long periods. The risk of developing asbestos-related diseases increases with the duration and intensity of exposure.