Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction materials until the 1980s. Asbestos was commonly used in products such as insulation, ceiling and floor tiles, cement, and roofing materials due to its strength, durability, and heat resistance.

However, breathing in asbestos fibres can have serious health consequences. When asbestos is disturbed, microscopic fibres are released into the air. When inhaled, these fibres can cause a range of lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.