Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fiber and carcinogen, finds application in construction, shipbuilding and automotive industries. The hazard lies in inhalation and unintended ingestion of these fibers when they are released into the air due to a disturbance of asbestos containing materials. These fibers can become trapped in the lungs or embedded in the digestive tract. Prolonged exposure can cause asbestosis, non-malignant lung and pleural disorders, mesothelioma, lung disease and lung cancer.