Asbestos is a naturally-occurring material that was commonly used in the construction of buildings in the UK until the 1990s. It was widely preferred because of its heat-resistant and insulating properties, as well as its durability. However, it was discovered that asbestos is hazardous to human health, and its use has been banned since 1999.

When asbestos materials are disturbed, they release microscopic fibres that, when inhaled, can cause serious respiratory diseases that include asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases tend to appear several years after the exposure, making it difficult to detect and diagnose early.

Asbestos is commonly found in various building materials, such as insulation, roofing sheets, and pipes, among others. If your property was built before the year 2000, it's likely to have asbestos-containing materials that need to be removed.