Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were used extensively in the construction, shipbuilding, and automotive industries from the 1940s to the 1980s. Its strength, durability, and resistance to heat and fire made it a popular material for insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building applications. However, despite its many benefits, asbestos is highly toxic and a major public health hazard.

When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, they can release small fibers into the air that can be inhaled into the lungs. Over time, these fibers can cause a variety of serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos-related diseases can take many years or decades to develop and often have a poor prognosis.