Asbestos is a mineral fiber that historically has been used in a variety of construction materials for insulation and also as a fire-retardant. Today, asbestos is most commonly found in older homes, in pipe and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, textured paints, floor tiles and mastic and many other coating materials.
 

Asbestos fibers are incredibly strong and have properties that make them resistant to heat, hence their intrinsic value for so many years. Many products are in use today that contain asbestos. Most of these are materials used in heat and acoustic insulation, fire proofing, and roofing and flooring. Unfortunately, the same qualities that made asbestos a great insulator in the past make it hazardous today. Significant health problems often develop from prolonged exposure to disturbed asbestos fibers.