Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials such as insulation, roofing, cement, and floor tiles. It was favoured for its heat-resistant and fire-retardant properties. However, it was only later discovered that asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems when inhaled.

The health effects of asbestos exposure are not immediate but may take years or even decades to manifest. They include lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen), and asbestosis (a chronic lung disease that can lead to respiratory failure).

Asbestos is now banned in many countries, including the UK. However, it's still present in many older buildings, especially those built before 2000. If you're planning any renovation or demolition work in such a building, you must get a professional asbestos survey done to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and get them safely removed and disposed of.