Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was widely used in construction and manufacturing due to its desirable properties such as sound absorption, tensile strength, and resistance to fire, heat, and chemicals. However, inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses like cancer and asbestosis. While asbestos has advantages, the European Union has banned its use completely due to the health risks of exposure. Asbestos should be banned because exposure has been linked to several types of cancer in addition to lung cancer and mesothelioma.