Asbestos is the name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally as bundles of fibers which can be separated into thin threads. These fibers are not affected by heat or chemicals and do not conduct electricity. For these reasons, asbestos has been widely used in many industries. Four types of asbestos have been used commercially...Visit the Asbestos Factsheet Website

Malignant mesothelioma, also known as mesothelioma cancer is a fatal cancer that affects the lining of the lung (pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and the lining of the heart (pericardium). The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, although pericardial mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma are less frequent. The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, although other factors such as smoking may result in additional complications...Visit the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center Website