Which of the following is a common building material that may contain asbestos?

Roofing shingles are a common building material that may contain asbestos because, for many years, asbestos was used in the manufacturing process to enhance the strength, durability, and fire resistance of the shingles. This was particularly prevalent in the mid-20th century, when the use of asbestos in various construction materials was widespread.

Asbestos fibers were often incorporated into cement-based roofing products to improve their performance. When these shingles deteriorate over time or are subject to damage, they can release hazardous asbestos fibers into the air, posing significant health risks to individuals who may come into contact with or disturb the material.

In contrast, while plywood, drywall, and steel beams can all involve materials potentially at risk for containing asbestos, they are less commonly associated with asbestos usage. Plywood typically consists of layers of wood and adhesives without the addition of asbestos. Drywall, while it may contain other hazardous materials, generally does not include asbestos, especially in modern formulations. Steel beams are structural components and do not inherently contain asbestos, although they could be associated with asbestos in auxiliary materials used during their installation. Thus, roofing shingles are distinctively recognized for their historical association with asbestos content.