Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Many asbestos products have been banned due to increased risk of lung, chest, and abdominal cancers in exposed individuals.
Learn basic information about asbestos, asbestos in your home, asbestos in schools, and more on the EPA Asbestos site.
National Cancer Institute: Asbestos exposure and cancer risk