Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials in the past. It was popular because it is strong, durable, and fire-resistant. However, it was later discovered that prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases.

Asbestos can also be difficult to identify because it was used in many different types of construction materials, including walls, ceilings, floors, roofs, and insulation. Asbestos can be found in many buildings built before the 1980s.

If asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they can release microscopic fibers into the air, which can be inhaled or ingested. These fibers can stay in the body for decades and cause serious health problems.