Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that are valuable for their insulating and fire-resistant properties. Due to these qualities, asbestos was widely used in the construction of buildings, homes, and other structures until the 1970s when its health hazards were widely recognized. Asbestos exposure can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, among others.

If your building or property was constructed before the 1980s, it may contain asbestos in some form. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found in many areas, including roofing, walls, ceilings, insulation, pipes, floor tiles, and other building materials. Unless you are a trained and licensed asbestos professional, you may not be able to identify asbestos materials by sight alone. Therefore, it's important to have your property inspected by a qualified asbestos surveyor to determine the presence and extent of any asbestos materials.