Asbestos refers to six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are heat- and fire-resistant. Once deemed a miracle material, asbestos has been used in various applications for many years, especially in construction. Asbestos was often used in insulation and other building materials for homes, schools and commercial buildings. The mineral was also used throughout a variety of other industries, like shipbuilding, oil refineries, various industrial plants and in the automotive industry.

When the asbestos materials become damaged, however, fibers can be easily inhaled and eventually develop into serious health problems such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Source: https://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-exposure/