Final answer:
Asbestos is a mineral fiber used in construction and manufacturing due to its durability and heat resistance, but its fibers can cause serious health issues when airborne, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that have been utilized extensively in building materials for their strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. Commonly found types of asbestos include Chrysotile, Amosite, and Crocidolite, which are referred to as white, brown/off-white, and blue asbestos, respectively. These minerals have been used in roofing shingles, floor tiles, vehicle brakes, and even textile products.
However, its use has been a major concern due to health risks such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. It's crucial to note that when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they can release hazardous fibers into the air, posing a significant risk to human health.
Mesothelioma, in particular, is a cancer linked to asbestos exposure that tends to cluster geographically near areas where asbestos was mined or processed. Awareness and regulations have greatly reduced the use of asbestos today, but it still poses a risk in older buildings where it was applied in the past.