The use of asbestos in building materials dates back to the late 19th century. Initially, asbestos was used as a fireproofing material due to its high resistance to heat and fire. It was widely used in various construction applications, such as insulation, roofing, siding, floor tiles, and ceiling tiles, up until the late 20th century. However, concerns about its health hazards led to the phasing out of asbestos in many countries.