Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction until the late 1990s. However, over the years, we have come to know about the harmful effects that asbestos can have on our health. Asbestos is known to cause a range of respiratory illnesses such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers when exposed can cause lung damage when they are breathed in, but it can take years for symptoms to appear.