Asbestos is a mineral made of fibers flexible and resistant to heat and corrosion. These attributes make it useful in a variety of applications. However, asbestos exposure is highly toxic.
Asbestos was widely used in construction as an effective insulator due to its durability. Cloth, paper, cement, plastic and other such materials can be added to make them more strong. However, when asbestos dust is ingested or inhaled, the fibers of the dust can permanently be trapped inside the body. Over the decades, these trapped fibers can be the cause of inflammation, scarring and even genetic damage.
Exposure to asbestos has been linked to cancer and other health conditions. An unusual and aggressive cancer named mesothelioma is almost solely caused by the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is also the cause of a progressive disease of the lung named asbestosis. The carcinogenic qualities of the mineral are what makes asbestos dangerous.