Asbestos is a group of six fibrous minerals that were used extensively in the manufacturing industry between the 1930s and 1999. The most common types of asbestos are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties, asbestos was widely used in building materials like ceiling tiles, insulation, cement, and floor tiles.

While these materials don't pose any risks while they're in their intact state, they may release asbestos fibres when they're damaged or disturbed. This can happen during renovations, demolitions, or accidents where asbestos-containing materials are damaged or broken, releasing harmful asbestos fibres into the air, which can lead to respiratory illnesses if inhaled.