Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was heavily used in construction and other industrial applications until the 1980s. Despite being banned in many countries, asbestos is still present in many buildings, particularly those built before the 1990s.

Asbestos can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, when its fibers are inhaled over a prolonged period. As a result, it is important to ensure that any buildings or materials suspected of containing asbestos are tested and, if necessary, removed by trained professionals.