Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the manufacture of building products for decades. Many older buildings, especially those built before the 1980s, contain asbestos in various forms. Asbestos was popular due to its fire-resistance and durability. However, it was later determined that inhaling asbestos fibers can cause severe health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, respiratory disease, and other serious illnesses.