Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in construction and manufacturing from the 1950s to the 1990s. Despite its popularity, asbestos is now known to be a serious health hazard. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. These fibers can be inhaled, and over time can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.