Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries between the late 19th and early 21st centuries. Asbestos is popular for its heat resistance, durability, and insulation properties, making it ideal for products such as roofing, flooring, pipes, cement, paint, and textiles.

However, asbestos is also a highly toxic substance that can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, when inhaled or ingested. Asbestos fibers are extremely small and can remain airborne for a long time, making them easy to inhale and difficult to remove from the lungs.

Because of the health hazards associated with asbestos, its use has been banned in many countries, including the UK, since the 1990s. However, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in many buildings and structures built before this period.