Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals that are flexible, fire resistant and virtually indestructible. Asbestos fibres do not dissolve in water or evaporate and are resistant to heat, fire, chemical and biological degradation. Asbestos was used in over 3,000 products for strength, thermal insulation, acoustical insulation, and fire protection. It can be found in some types of ceiling or floor tiles, siding, shingles or insulation, fire-proof vests and home and commercial construction. It was woven into fabric, and mixed with cement.

It becomes harmful when the fibres are disturbed and become airborne during removal. The inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause serious disease to the lungs and other organs that may not appear until years after the exposure has occurred.
The removal of asbestos is highly regulated. 

Asbestos fibres do not have any detectable odour or taste and are difficult to identify; products containing asbestos are not often labelled as such. You may want to have the suspected product tested if it is not labelled.