Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of fibrous silicate material. It was widely used in construction materials until the mid-1980s because of its durability, heat resistance, and insulation properties. However, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos can cause severe respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

Asbestos fibers can become airborne when the material is disturbed, and when inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and cause damage over time. These fibers can accumulate over time and lead to serious health consequences, sometimes decades later.