Asbestos refers to silicate materials that are fibrous in texture and which can be found naturally. While it does have some beneficial uses (such as thermal insulation and reinforcement due to its high tensile strength) it can be harmful on contact.
Since this material is fibrous, it gets airborne very easily if it is dislodged. Those fibers are small enough to be inhaled and can damage the lungs over a long period of time.
