Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous metamorphic minerals.  Asbestos was typically used as an insulator because of its resistance to fire or heat and tensile strength.  There are a number of health hazards associated with asbestos exposure, causing the mineral to be regulated under section 112 of the Clean Air Act in 1970.  Although banned or regulated in most industrialized countries, asbestos is still commonly used throughout the world by some of less-industrialized countries.

For a more detailed history of this useful but deadly mineral see our history of asbestos web page.  For more detail on what asbestos is see our What Is Asbestos? page.