Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring mineral fibers once commonly used in building materials because of their resistance to heat, electricity, and corrosion. However, in 1975, research confirmed that these fibers cause mesothelioma and other cancers, leading to strict usage laws. If your home contains asbestos, removing it can prevent long-term health effects. You'll often find asbestos in the flooring, ceilings, pipes, and roofing of homes built before the 1990s. Common asbestos-containing materials include vermiculite insulation, vinyl flooring, millboard, and corrugated roofing. If you suspect you have asbestos or any of these materials in your home, it's important to hire a reputable abatement company to perform testing.