Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry throughout the 20th century due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. It was also used in a variety of other products, including car brake pads, insulation, and textiles. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos can cause a variety of serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As a result, asbestos has been banned in many countries, but it still exists in many buildings and products that were built before the ban came into effect.