Asbestos is a special material that became popular in the late 1900s. Many buildings and homes were made of this material because of its desirable properties. Asbestos is highly fire resistant and it is one of the most durable products used for insulation in walls. Not only is fire resistant, but also it is resistant to chemical and electrical damage. Over the past few decades, it was found that asbestos could be harmful to humans when it is breathed in for long periods. The first case was discovered in 1906, but in the late nineties even more cases were found. Anyone who is exposed to this material can end up with serious side effects such as lung cancer and asbestosis. Approximately 100,000 people in the United States have died from some sort of asbestos exposure. For this reason, it is important for a new homeowner to go through the process of asbestos testing and asbestos removal.