Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the environment, but has been used extensively for construction and insulation purposes, dating back to the 19th century. Asbestos was typically used as a fire retardant and insulator due to its durability, strength and heat-resistant properties, but it wasnt until the late 20th century that the health risks of exposure to asbestos were discovered, as inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.