Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and cement between the 1930s and the 1990s. Asbestos was popular because of its durability, fire resistance, and insulation properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers, when inhaled or ingested, can cause serious health risks. Asbestos fibers are very fine and can easily enter the lungs, where they can cause scarring, inflammation, and cancerous tumors.

Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat. Asbestos exposure can also cause lung cancer, which is the most common form of asbestos-related cancer. Other health risks associated with asbestos exposure include asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that causes breathing difficulties, and pleural thickening, which can cause chest pain and breathing difficulties.