Though once considered an extremely versatile material used for a variety of purposes, asbestos has been determined to be the primary cause of mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs and abdomen. Because it was popular for so many years, it is unfortunately common for older homes and commercial buildings to have asbestos-containing building materials remaining in the form of pipe insulation, flooring, window caulking, textured ceiling and more. Conducting an asbestos survey is the only way to know whether asbestos is present BEFORE you start any renovation.