Asbestos is a mineral that was once commonly used in buildings and products for its heat-resistant properties. Asbestos was used in a variety of materials, including flooring, roofing, insulation, ceiling tiles, and even some consumer products such as brake pads and hair dryers. However, asbestos is now known to be highly hazardous to human health, and prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause serious illnesses, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

While many buildings today have had their asbestos removed or properly contained, there are still countless homes, offices, and public buildings that contain asbestos, posing a risk to both occupants and workers who may come into contact with it.