Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing throughout the 20th century due to its insulation and fire-resistant properties. However, it is now known to be highly toxic and can lead to a range of serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos can be found in a range of materials, from pipe insulation and floor tiles to roofing and ceiling tiles. It is often present in older buildings constructed prior to the 1980s, but can also be found in newer buildings if materials containing asbestos were used in their construction.