Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials, especially from the 1950s to the 1980s. Asbestos was valued for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, and it was commonly found in products such as:

• Ceiling and floor tiles
• Insulation materials
• Pipe and boiler coverings
• Roofing and siding sheets
• Textured paints and coatings

However, it is now known that asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems when inhaled or ingested. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can become airborne when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed or damaged. Once inhaled or ingested, these fibers can lodge in the lungs or other organs and cause:

• Asbestosis: a chronic lung disease that can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, and scarring of the lungs.
• Mesothelioma: a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or other organs.
• Lung cancer: a type of cancer that starts in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body.

The health effects of asbestos exposure may not manifest for years or even decades after exposure, and there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. That's why it's essential to test your building for asbestos if you suspect that it may contain ACMs.