One of the main uses of ACMs was as insulation for houses and lagging material. Many of the older heating systems were surrounded by asbestos lagging. The asbestos in the lagging was used to protect the pipes and insulate it from environmental conditions.

This type of ACM happens to be one of the most dangerous because it flakes off easily. Since asbestos is a fibrous material, it is dangerous when these tiny particles are airborne and inhaled into the lungs. If you breathe in these miniscule particles of fiber, it can become lodged in your lung tissue and cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, it will lead to chronic health conditions like COPD, asbestosis, and pleural effusions.