Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was commonly used as building material from the 1950s until the 1990s. It was prized for its durability, fire resistance, and insulation properties. However, after it was discovered that asbestos can cause serious health risks when inhaled, it was banned worldwide. Despite this, many older buildings still contain asbestos.

Asbestos can be found in numerous building materials, including:

• Thermal insulation (e.g. pipe insulation, boiler insulation)
• Roofing and siding materials
• Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
• Textured paint and patching compounds
• Electrical wiring insulation
• Gaskets and packing

The danger of asbestos lies in the microscopic fibers that can become airborne when the material is disturbed or damaged. When these fibers are breathed in, they can get lodged in the lungs, leading to serious respiratory diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.