Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry from the 1950s to the 1990s. Due to its versatile and durable nature, it was used in various building materials such as roofing, insulation, floor tiles, and cement. However, it's now known to be a significant health hazard when inhaled, and its use has been banned in most countries, including the UK.

When asbestos-containing materials start to deteriorate or get damaged, they release asbestos fibres into the air, which can be inhaled, leading to serious lung diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Therefore, it's crucial to have asbestos-containing materials removed from buildings safely and efficiently.