Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was once commonly used in construction because of its heat-resistant properties, durability, and versatility. It was used in various building materials, including floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, cement, shingles, and many others. Despite being banned from use in the UK in 1999, asbestos can still be found in many homes and buildings constructed before that date.

The dangers of asbestos come from the tiny asbestos fibers that can be inhaled or ingested. Once these fibers are in the body, they can cause serious health problems that may not appear for decades, including:

• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma (a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs)
• Asbestosis (a chronic lung condition caused by scarring of the lung tissue)

These health problems can be fatal, and there is currently no cure for mesothelioma or asbestosis. Therefore, proper asbestos disposal is essential to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers.