What is asbestos known for?

Asbestos is known for being a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals that are prized for their remarkable strength and resistance to heat, fire, and chemical damage. These characteristics made asbestos a popular material in various construction and insulation applications, especially prior to the widespread awareness of its health hazards. The fibers of asbestos are durable and can withstand high temperatures, which is why it was extensively used in insulation products, roofing materials, and fire-proofing applications.

The recognition of asbestos primarily stems from its utility in industrial and building products, despite the serious health risks associated with inhaling its fibers, such as lung disease and cancer. Understanding its properties helps to illustrate not only its past prevalence in construction and manufacturing but also the critical decisions made in public health and safety regarding material use in the environment today.