Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring mineral fibers that were used extensively in building and construction materials in the 20th century. It was durable, fire-resistant, and cost-effective, which made it a popular choice for many construction projects.

However, in the 1970s, scientists discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers could lead to serious health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can become airborne when materials containing asbestos are disturbed or damaged, which makes it easy for people to inhale or ingest them.

Since then, strict regulations have been put in place to control the use and disposal of asbestos. However, there are still many properties that contain asbestos-containing materials, especially those built before the 1990s.