Asbestos was used extensively in construction from the early 1940s through the 1980s. It was considered a highly-effective and inexpensive fire-retardant material, thermal and acoustic insulator. Asbestos was used extensively in construction from the early 1940s through the 1980s. However, we now know that exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to lung disease, lung cancer, and digestive cancer. When disturbed, tiny abrasive asbestos fibers are easily inhaled, which damages lung tissue and can cause cancer and other health problems.