Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building and construction materials until the late 1990s. It was prized for its heat-resistant and fire-retardant properties, as well as its tensile strength and durability. Asbestos was commonly found in products such as insulation, cement, roofing, flooring, and textiles.

However, asbestos is now classified as a Class 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization due to its link to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases. Asbestos fibers are extremely small and can easily become airborne when disturbed, putting anyone who inhales them at risk of developing these illnesses.