Asbestos is a term used to describe a group of naturally occurring minerals that have been used in a variety of industrial and consumer products for decades. Due to its unique properties, including resistance to heat, electricity, and chemical damage, asbestos has been used in everything from building materials and insulation to consumer products like hair dryers, stoves, and clothing.

However, exposure to asbestos can be extremely dangerous to human health. When asbestos is disturbed or damaged, such as during construction, demolition, or renovation work, it can release tiny fibers into the air, which can be breathed in by workers and occupants of the building. These fibers can lodge themselves in the lungs, leading to serious health consequences such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.