Asbestos materials were widely used in the construction and engineering sectors between the 1950s and the 1980s, mainly due to their affordability, durability, and resistance to heat, fire, and chemical reactions. Some of the most common asbestos-containing products and materials that may be found in buildings include:

• Asbestos cement - a mixture of asbestos fibers, cement, and water that was used in roofing, walls, pipes, and fencing.
• Sprayed asbestos - a mixture of asbestos fibers, water, and adhesive that was sprayed on ceilings, walls, and beams for insulation or fireproofing.
• Asbestos insulation - loose asbestos fibers that were used to insulate pipes, ducts, boilers, and tanks.
• Asbestos tape, cloth, and rope - woven asbestos fibers that were used to seal joints or wrap heating ducts.
• Asbestos gaskets and packing - compressed asbestos fibers that were used in pumps, valves, and other mechanical equipment.

The risks of asbestos exposure depend on various factors, such as the type of asbestos fibers, the concentration and duration of exposure, and the individual's susceptibility. The most common health effects of asbestos exposure include:

• Lung cancer - a type of cancer that develops in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. It is estimated that over 125,000 deaths worldwide are caused by asbestos-related lung cancer.
• Mesothelioma - a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen. It has been linked to asbestos exposure, and there is currently no known cure for mesothelioma.
• Asbestosis - a chronic lung disease that results from the accumulation of asbestos fibers in the lungs. It can cause coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and other respiratory problems.