Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction due to its heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos exposure can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. As a result, in 1999, the UK government banned the use of most asbestos-containing materials.

While the ban on asbestos-containing materials has reduced the risk of exposure, there is still a large amount of asbestos-containing waste that must be disposed of appropriately. Asbestos is considered a hazardous substance, and it must be disposed of in accordance with strict regulations to ensure that it is not released into the environment.