Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant for decades. Unfortunately, due to some of its properties, the EPA and CPSC have banned asbestos in most building materials, including insulation and coating materials.
Today, asbestos is most commonly found in older commercial buildings, warehouses and manufacturing facilities in over 2000 different building materials. Elevated levels of airborne asbestos fibers can occur after asbestos-containing materials are disturbed by cutting, sanding or other remodeling activities. Improper attempts to remove these materials can release asbestos fibers into the indoor environment, increasing asbestos levels and endangering people and animals.