Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction materials from the 1950s through the 1980s because of its durability, resistance to heat and fire, and low cost. However, it has since become known that exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos is most dangerous when it is damaged or disturbed, which can release tiny fibres into the air that can be inhaled or ingested. That's why it's essential to have any asbestos-containing materials in your home or workplace properly abated and removed by trained professionals.