What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made of thin, needle-like fibers that are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. It was once widely used in building materials, insulation, and other products.

It’s harmful because when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they can release tiny fibers into the air. If inhaled, these fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause serious diseases over time, such as asbestosis (lung scarring), lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the lung or abdominal lining). The health risks often appear decades after exposure.