Final answer:
Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials until the late 1970s for its insulation and fire resistance but was later found to pose serious health risks, particularly lung cancer, from accumulated fibers in buildings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Up until the late 1970s, asbestos was commonly used in many building materials due to its excellent insulation properties and fire resistance. Asbestos fibers, including chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown or off-white asbestos), and crocidolite (blue asbestos), were incorporated into construction materials such as terminal insulation, brake linings, roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, and cement products to enhance mechanical strength and fire resistance. The intermixing of asbestos with cement is known to reinforce the concrete's mechanical strength.
Despite its useful properties, asbestos is now known to be a hazardous compound with serious health risks. The material is noncombustible and disintegrates at high temperatures, leading to the release of forsterite and silica. However, the product's capacity to produce lung cancer became a significant concern when its fibers accumulated in well-insulated, tightly sealed buildings. Therefore, its use has been discontinued in many parts of the world.
Today, many old buildings still contain asbestos materials, making renovations and demolitions a health risk if not managed properly. The enduring legacy of asbestos means that it is still found in small amounts in soils and minerals, and it remains a topic of concern for public health, occupational safety, and the environment.