Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that contain fibrous crystals. Because of its unique qualities, asbestos was widely used in building materials until the 1980s. Today, the use and manufacturing of asbestos is strictly prohibited in the United Kingdom. However, many buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that were installed before its ban.

Asbestos is highly hazardous when inhaled or ingested. If asbestos fibres are released into the air, they can be easily inhaled and can penetrate deep into the lungs. These fibres can cause a variety of serious respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.