Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction materials due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. It was only in the 1990s that it was discovered that asbestos exposure is linked to severe respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The significant risk associated with asbestos is that it can release tiny fibers into the air when disturbed. If inhaled, these fibers can become lodged in the lungs, leading to chronic lung diseases that can be fatal. Asbestos exposure can also lead to other serious health conditions such as asbestosis, a dangerous lung condition that reduces lung function and makes it difficult to breathe.