Asbestos is a silicitate mineral with long, thin fibrous crystals.  It has an ability to withstand heat, electrical and chemical damage so it used to be mixed with other materials like cement or woven into fabrics or mats for electrical ovens and as fire-retardants for buildings like the roof or the walls.  This mineral is very effective when it comes to withstanding heat however, it was discovered and proven that previous exposure to it can cause serious diseases like lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis (or pneumoniosis).

Due to the health risks brought about by the exposure to this mineral, many developed countries like the US have banned its use, importation and mining.  Too bad though for in developing countries like the Philippines, this product is still widely used especially in building construction.