Final answer:
Asbestos was once widely used in various building materials and products due to its strength and resistance to heat. It can be hazardous when disturbed, releasing fibers that can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asbestos was a commonly used material in the past for its durability and fire-resistant properties. Some common products that may have contained asbestos include building construction materials for insulation, fire blocking, roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, asbestos cement products, automobile clutch, brake, transmission parts, heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings. These products, when disturbed or damaged, have the potential to release asbestos fibers into the air, posing risks such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.