Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the building and construction industry back in the day due to its heat-resistant, durable, and fire-retardant properties. However, studies have proven that exposure to asbestos materials can lead to serious health risks, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, among other respiratory illnesses.

Asbestos materials are classified into two types, friable and non-friable, depending on their likelihood of releasing fibers into the air. Friable asbestos materials (e.g., asbestos insulation, sprayed-on asbestos materials, and pipe insulation) pose a greater health risk than non-friable asbestos materials (e.g., asbestos cement sheets, floor tiles, and insulation board) since they can easily crumble into dust and release loose fibers into the air.