Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials in the UK until it was banned in 1999. Before the ban, asbestos was commonly used in construction, insulation, roofing, and heating systems because of its heat-resistant and insulating properties. Asbestos fibres, when inhaled, can cause severe health problems because they can become trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation, scarring, and cancerous changes to lung cells.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found in many older homes, commercial buildings, schools, and hospitals. ACMs can be found in floor tiles, ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, roofing shingles, siding, plaster, and many other building materials. If you suspect that your building contains asbestos, it is crucial to have a professional survey done to determine the extent of the material's presence in your building.