Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in construction materials for many years. However, it was discovered that asbestos fibres can cause lung cancer and other serious respiratory problems. As a result, the use of asbestos-containing materials was banned in the UK in 1999.

Despite the ban, many buildings constructed before the ban may still contain asbestos. It is important to properly identify and dispose of any asbestos-containing materials to prevent health risks.