Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials until the 1980s. While asbestos was once considered a wonder material for its insulating and fire-resistant properties, it is now well known to be a hazardous substance that can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found in various parts of buildings, including:

• Roofing and siding
• Insulation
• Flooring
• Pipes and boilers
• Joint compounds and patching materials
• Textured paints and coatings

If your building was constructed before the 1980s, there is a good chance that it contains asbestos. Even if you don't see any visible signs of ACMs, it's essential to have a professional asbestos survey done to determine if it's present.