Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry during the 20th century. Asbestos was added to various building materials to improve their strength, fire resistance and insulation properties.

However, asbestos is also a highly hazardous substance that can cause serious health problems when inhaled. Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases, even decades after exposure.

If your building was constructed before the year 2000, it's likely that it contains asbestos in some form. Therefore, it's vital to have a professional asbestos survey and inspection to identify any asbestos materials present in the building.