Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in the construction industry due to its fire-retardant properties. However, it has since been discovered that asbestos materials can cause severe harm to human lungs and respiratory systems.

Exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. It can take many years for symptoms to appear, and sadly, there is no cure for these conditions.