Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the building and construction industry from the 1950s to the 1990s. Its properties such as high resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals, made it a popular material in the construction of buildings, homes, and boats. However, prolonged asbestos exposure has been linked to several life-threatening illnesses such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Because of this, the use and manufacture of asbestos has been prohibited in UK since 1999.