Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in construction materials until the late 1980s. It's prized for its fire-resistant and durable qualities and was used in everything from insulation and ceiling tiles to flooring and roofing materials.

However, asbestos is also highly toxic when it's disturbed and releases microscopic fibers that can be inhaled into the lungs, causing serious health problems over time. These health problems can include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease.