Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry between the 1950s and 1980s. It was popular because it is durable, fire-resistant, and an excellent insulator. However, the risks associated with asbestos were not known at the time, and as a result, it was used in many buildings throughout Trevivian and the South West of England. Asbestos is dangerous when its fibers are released into the air, and people breathe them in. Once the fibers have entered the body, they can cause serious health problems.