Asbestos is the name given to a naturally occurring group of minerals made up of tiny, easily inhaled fibers.
Asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems.
Many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes before the mid-1980s contained asbestos. The materials may release asbestos fibers if damaged, repaired, or removed improperly. Removing appliances may release asbestos fibers. So may cutting, tearing, sanding, drilling, or sawing insulation. Loose, crumbly, or water-damaged material may release fibers.